Passover Almond Flour Challah Recipe

Introduction

During Passover, many Jewish families observe dietary laws that prohibit the consumption of leavened bread and related products, leading to a culinary challenge: how to enjoy bread-like dishes without violating these sacred traditions. Fortunately, the rich history of Passover cuisine offers several inventive solutions, including matzo-based recipes and other unleavened alternatives. Among these, Passover Garlic Bread emerges as a delightful and flavorful centerpiece, transforming simple ingredients into a fragrant, crispy loaf that captures the essence of traditional garlic bread while honoring the constraints of the holiday. This recipe, featured on Love With Recipes, is inspired by the creative adaptations of Phyllis Glazer, showcasing how culinary ingenuity can turn modest ingredients into a memorable feast. The result is a crispy, aromatic loaf with a savory garlic spread—perfect as a side dish or a standalone treat during Passover celebrations. The process emphasizes straightforward preparation, utilizing common ingredients such as matzo meal, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, to produce a satisfying bread alternative that complements your holiday table beautifully.

Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Food processor with metal blade (or fine chopping tools)
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Ungreased baking sheet or cookie sheet
• Wire cooling rack
• Sharp bread knife
• Brush for spreading garlic oil
• Aluminum foil (optional, for wrapping or covering)
• Measuring spoons

Tags

Passover, Jewish Holiday, Unleavened Bread, Matzo Meal, Garlic Bread, Kosher, Vegetarian, Vegan (if adjusted), Side Dish, Appetizer

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 8-10 slices, serving 4-6 people as a side dish or appetizer. Adjustments can be made for larger gatherings or smaller servings based on the occasion.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate—this recipe involves a few steps, including boiling, mixing, shaping, and broiling, but remains accessible to home cooks with basic baking experience.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian, Kosher for Passover. Can be adapted to vegan by substituting the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg replacement, and ensuring the garlic spread is vegan-friendly.

Course

Side Dish / Appetizer

Cuisine

Jewish, Middle Eastern-Inspired

Ingredients

Ingredient Breakdown in Tables

Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough Mixture

Begin by orchestrating the initial phase of the recipe—creating the flavorful, aromatic dough that will form the backbone of your Passover garlic bread. Place ½ cup of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of water to this mixture, ensuring the liquids are measured precisely, as they influence the dough’s consistency and texture. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to prevent sticking and promote even heating. The goal here is to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which typically occurs within 2 to 3 minutes. Use a cooking thermometer if desired; a temperature of approximately 212°F (100°C) ensures the mixture is hot enough to activate the ingredients without burning. Once boiling, promptly remove the pan from the heat to prevent overheating or splattering.

Next, incorporate the key dry ingredient—1 cup of matzo meal—into the hot oil mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor profile and 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped basil, which introduces a subtle herbal aroma that complements the garlic. Stir vigorously until all components are thoroughly combined, forming a cohesive, slightly thickened mixture. The heat will help hydrate the matzo meal, making it pliable and ready for the next step.

2. Blending the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a consistent baking environment. While the oven warms, transfer the hot matzo mixture into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Add one large egg to the processor—this acts as a binder, giving the dough structure and elasticity. Secure the lid and pulse several times to blend the ingredients, about 8-10 short bursts. The mixture should start to come together into a rough dough. To infuse the dough with a robust garlic flavor, take one of the remaining garlic cloves and carefully insert it into the feed tube of the processor while it’s running. Continue processing until the mixture forms a cohesive ball around the blade, which indicates it is ready for shaping. If you prefer a hand-mixed approach, finely chop all garlic cloves and knead them into the dough mixture with a spatula or your hands, which should be lightly coated with matzo cake meal to prevent sticking.

3. Shaping the Loaf

Remove the dough from the processor and transfer it onto a clean, lightly floured surface—using matzo cake meal to prevent sticking. Gently knead the dough to ensure uniformity, then shape it into an oval loaf, about 8-10 inches long and 3-4 inches wide. The shape should be rustic yet cohesive, with smooth edges. Place the shaped loaf onto an ungreased baking sheet, preferably lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lightly brush or sprinkle with a bit of matzo cake meal if necessary to prevent sticking while baking. Ensure the loaf is centered on the sheet for even heat distribution during baking.

4. Baking the Bread

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. The precise baking time may vary depending on your oven and loaf size; therefore, start checking around the 40-minute mark. Use a kitchen thermometer to verify an internal temperature of about 200°F (93°C) for doneness. Once baked, carefully remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes, which helps the crust set and makes slicing easier without crushing the delicate interior.

5. Preparing the Garlic Spread

While the bread cools slightly, prepare the aromatic garlic spread. Take the remaining 3 garlic cloves and mince them finely using a sharp knife or garlic press. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant, flavorful spread that will be brushed onto the loaf’s cut surfaces. This step is crucial for infusing the bread with intense garlic flavor and creating the characteristic crispy, golden crust when broiled.

6. Toasting and Serving

Carefully slice the loaf horizontally into two halves using a serrated bread knife. Spread the garlic-oil mixture evenly over the cut sides, ensuring full coverage. Preheat the broiler to high, and place the loaf halves under the heat. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic spread just begins to turn golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye to prevent burning—broilers vary, and garlic can quickly over-toast. Once golden and aromatic, remove the bread from the broiler, reassemble if desired, and cut into individual slices. Serve immediately while still warm, perhaps with additional herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Preparation Tips

• Use quality ingredients: Extra-virgin olive oil and fresh garlic make a significant difference in flavor.
• Adjust consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle with additional matzo meal; if too dry, add a splash of water.
• Garlic intensity: For a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount used in the spread; for a punch, add more minced garlic.
• Alternative herbs: Fresh parsley or oregano can substitute or complement the basil for varied flavors.
• Vegan version: Replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes).
• Storage: Keep leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in the oven or under the broiler for best results.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Enhance flavor: Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt or poppy seeds before baking for extra texture.
• Make ahead: Prepare the dough a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake fresh when ready to serve.
• Customize herbs: Experiment with rosemary, thyme, or oregano for different aromatic profiles.
• Broiling safety: Always monitor the garlic toast under the broiler to prevent burning and adjust time accordingly.

Add-ons

• Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (if dairy is permitted during your Passover observance)
• Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or oregano sprinkled on top after broiling
• A drizzle of balsamic reduction or infused olive oils for an elegant finish

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables seasoned with garlic and herbs
• Chopped salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs
• Matzo ball soup or chicken soup with matzo balls
• Pickled vegetables or olives for added tang

Improvements

• Incorporate finely chopped sautéed onions or shallots into the dough for added sweetness and depth
• Add grated vegan cheese to the dough for a cheesy variation
• Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor
• Experiment with different herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, or lemon zest for unique twists

Save and Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until warmed and crispy again. Avoid refrigerating for more than 3 days as the texture and flavor may deteriorate. If freezing, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or under the broiler.

FAQ

Can I make this bread vegan?

Yes, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like, then incorporate into the dough. Ensure the garlic spread is also vegan—use olive oil only or vegan margarine if desired.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare the dough, shape it into the loaf, and refrigerate it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap overnight. Bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure proper rising and baking.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Since matzo meal contains gluten, this recipe is not gluten-free. For gluten-free adaptations, use a gluten-free matzo alternative or gluten-free bread crumbs, but note that texture and flavor may vary.

How do I prevent burning under the broiler?

Keep a close eye on the bread during broiling, and remove it as soon as the garlic spread turns golden. Using a baking sheet with a rim and adjusting the oven rack position can help control heat exposure.

Conclusion

This Passover Garlic Bread embodies the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, transforming simple unleavened ingredients into a flavorful, crispy loaf that elevates your holiday meal. Its aromatic garlic spread, combined with the satisfying texture of matzo meal, creates a comforting and memorable dish suitable for any Passover gathering. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is an excellent addition to your holiday repertoire, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy a taste of bread even during the constraints of Passover. For more inspired recipes and culinary tips, visit Love With Recipes—your trusted source for holiday and everyday cooking.

References

• Jewish Virtual Library – Passover Food Traditions
• Leah Koenig, The Jewish Cookbook, 2016