Matzah Layered Delight
Experience the comforting fusion of Italian-Jewish cuisine with this Matzah Layered Delight, a delightful Passover dish that captures the essence of traditional lasagna without cheese or tomato sauce. Instead, layers of hearty ground beef (or lamb) and a vibrant spinach-mushroom filling are set between sheets of soaked matzah, creating a satisfying and flavorful centerpiece for your Passover table. This dish balances savory spices, sweet raisins, and earthy pine nuts, making it a unique culinary experience perfect for family gatherings. With its rich layers and inviting aroma, this recipe fosters warmth and togetherness during the holiday season. Whether enjoyed during Passover or any festive occasion, this dish is sure to impress your guests and bring a taste of Jewish heritage to your home.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
ground beef or ground lamb
1.5 lbs
medium onion, chopped
1
fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup
garlic clove, minced
1
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
allspice
1/2 teaspoon
raisins
1/4 cup (soaked in hot water)
eggs
6 (lightly beaten, divided)
medium yellow onions, sliced
2
mushrooms, sliced
1/2 lb
pine nuts
1/4 cup
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
fresh spinach or frozen spinach
1.5 lbs
matzos
8
chicken broth, heated
2 cups
chicken broth, room temperature
1/4-1/2 cup
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef (or lamb) and chopped onion along with a pinch of salt. Sauté the mixture until the onions are translucent and the meat is browned, about 10-12 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2
Stir in minced garlic, cinnamon, allspice, and soaked raisins along with their liquid, cooking until the mixture becomes fragrant and the liquid is absorbed, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool slightly for 15-20 minutes before stirring in 2 beaten eggs.
3
In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until they start to brown, about 5 minutes. Add sliced mushrooms and pine nuts, cooking until the mushrooms are soft and the mixture is slightly dry.
4
Incorporate the spinach (fresh or thawed frozen) into the skillet; if using fresh spinach, add 1 tablespoon of water. Add nutmeg and stir until the spinach is wilted and the entire mixture is cooked down, around 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, let cool briefly, and then mix in 2 beaten eggs.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13x9x2-inch baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
6
Soak the matzah sheets in hot chicken broth until they become softened and pliable. Arrange two soaked matzah sheets in the bottom of the greased dish.
7
Layer 2/3 of the meat mixture over the matzah, then add two more soaked matzah sheets on top. Follow with 2/3 of the spinach mixture, placing another two soaked matzahs on top.
8
Combine the remaining meat and spinach mixtures, spreading them evenly over the top. Finally, layer with the last two soaked matzah sheets.
9
In a bowl, mix 2 beaten eggs with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of room temperature chicken broth. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the entire layered assembly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and golden brown. Allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
15.8g
Fat
20g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Matzah Layered Delight?
Matzah Layered Delight is a traditional Italian-Jewish Passover dish similar to lasagna, featuring layers of soaked matzah, ground meat, and a spinach-mushroom filling without the use of cheese or tomato sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for Passover?
Yes, this dish is specifically designed for Passover, utilizing matzah sheets instead of pasta and adhering to holiday dietary standards.
What meat can I use in this recipe?
You can use either 1.5 lbs of ground beef or ground lamb for the savory meat layers.
How do I prepare the matzah sheets for layering?
Soak the matzah sheets in 2 cups of heated chicken broth until they become softened and pliable.
Does this lasagna contain dairy or cheese?
No, this is a meat-based (fleishig) dish and does not contain any cheese or dairy products.
What is the total number of eggs needed?
The recipe requires a total of 6 eggs: 2 for the meat mixture, 2 for the spinach mixture, and 2 for the final egg wash topping.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1.5 lbs of either fresh spinach or thawed frozen spinach for the filling.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The meat is seasoned with minced garlic, cinnamon, and allspice for a warm, aromatic flavor profile.
How long does it take to bake?
Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13x9x2-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Why are raisins included in the meat mixture?
Raisins provide a touch of sweetness that balances the savory meat and spices, a characteristic common in some Sephardic and Italian-Jewish recipes.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the baking dish with oil or a non-stick spray to prevent the matzah from sticking.
What is the purpose of the final egg and broth mixture?
Pouring a mixture of 2 eggs and chicken broth over the top before baking helps bind the layers and keeps the matzah moist.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of pine nuts in the spinach and mushroom layer.
How many matzah sheets are required?
You will need 8 matzah sheets in total to create the various layers of the dish.
What is the calorie count for a serving of Matzah Layered Delight?
One serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides about 15g of protein.
What should I do with the remaining meat and spinach mixtures during assembly?
Combine the remaining 1/3 of the meat mixture and the remaining 1/3 of the spinach mixture and spread them together as the final internal layer.
How long should the meat cool before adding the eggs?
Let the meat mixture cool for about 15 to 20 minutes to prevent the eggs from scrambling when they are stirred in.
Can I substitute the chicken broth for a different liquid?
Chicken broth provides the best flavor, but you could use vegetable broth or water with bouillon if necessary.
What type of mushrooms work best?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of sliced mushrooms; standard white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work very well.
Does the recipe use fresh herbs?
Yes, 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley is included in the meat filling.
What is the fat content per serving?
The estimated fat content is 15.8g per serving.
Is there nutmeg in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg is used to season the spinach and mushroom mixture.
Should the raisins be soaked before use?
Yes, soak the raisins in hot water before adding them and their liquid to the meat mixture.
How do I know when the dish is finished baking?
The dish is done when it is heated through and the top has turned a golden brown color.
How many onions are used in total?
You will need 3 onions total: 1 medium onion (chopped) for the meat and 2 medium yellow onions (sliced) for the spinach.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the recommended preparation for the garlic?
One garlic clove should be minced and added to the meat mixture as it cooks.
Should I let the dish rest before serving?
Yes, allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven makes it easier to slice and serve.