More than just a religious observance, Passover is also a time of storytelling, tradition — and a truly memorable menu.
If you’re hosting or attending a Seder, or simply exploring Jewish cuisine, here's a guide to typical Passover meals, along with a classic matzo ball soup recipe and tips on where to find kosher Passover ingredients in the UK.
The Symbolism Behind the Seder Plate
The first two nights of Passover include a ritual meal called the Seder. At its heart is the Seder plate, which includes six symbolic foods representing different aspects of the Exodus story:
Maror – bitter herbs (typically horseradish)
Charoset – sweet apple, nut, and wine mixture
Karpas – parsley or other green veg dipped in saltwater
Zeroa – a roasted lamb shank bone
Beitzah – a roasted egg
Chazeret – This is a second bitter herb, often a romaine lettuce
These are accompanied by four cups of wine (or grape juice) and matzo — the unleavened bread that takes centre stage throughout the festival.
Matzo: The Passover Essential
Because leavened foods (chametz) are prohibited during Passover, matzo becomes the staple. It’s used in both simple and creative dishes:
Matzo ball soup
Matzo brei – scrambled with eggs
Matzo pizzas or lasagne – using matzo as a base
Desserts made with matzo meal or cake meal
Classic Matzo Ball Soup Recipe (Serves 4–6)
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
4 tbsp schmaltz (or vegetable oil)
1 cup matzo meal
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp soda water or still water (for fluffiness)
1 litre chicken stock
2 carrots, sliced
Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk the eggs, schmaltz (or oil), salt, pepper, and water.
Stir in the matzo meal. Mix well, then cover and chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes.
With wet hands, shape the chilled mixture into small balls (roughly walnut-sized).
Bring chicken stock to a gentle boil in a large pot. Add carrots.
Drop the matzo balls into the stock. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30–40 minutes until puffed and tender.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley or dill.
Top Tip: For extra light matzo balls, don’t overwork the mixture, and let them simmer gently.
Other Traditional Passover Dishes
Passover menus vary by region and heritage, but some common favourites include:
Brisket – slow-braised with onions and herbs
Roast chicken or turkey – with rosemary and lemon
Tzimmes – sweet carrots and prunes
Potato kugel – baked and golden
Gefilte fish – served with horseradish
Sides often include roasted vegetables, herbed quinoa, and light salads.
Kosher-for-Passover Desserts
Coconut macaroons
Flourless chocolate cake
Almond and orange cake
Poached fruit or compotes
Baking without traditional flour calls for creativity — and often, ground nuts, eggs, or matzo cake meal step in.
Where to Find Kosher Passover Ingredients in the UK
Sourcing kosher-for-Passover ingredients in the UK is easier than ever, especially in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Specialist Kosher Shops
Kosher Kingdom (Golders Green, London) – One of the UK’s largest kosher supermarkets with a full Passover section. https://kosherkingdom.co.uk/
B Kosher – A trusted shop with online ordering options. https://www.b-kosher.co.uk/
Just Kosher – Delivers across the UK, including matzo meal, wine, brisket, and Seder plate items. https://www.justkosher.co.uk/
Sabeny – Online shop with a good selection of kosher wines, matzos, and desserts. https://sabeny.com/
Supermarkets
Waitrose often carries a special Passover range with matzo, kosher wines, and treats.
Sainsbury’s and Tesco (particularly in areas with large Jewish communities) stock matzo, grape juice, and sometimes charoset or gefilte fish during the season.
Online Retailers
Ocado sometimes features a dedicated Kosher or Passover section.
Amazon UK – a good fallback for matzo meal, kosher wines, and Passover cookbooks.
Note: Always look for items marked “Kosher for Passover” or “Kasher l’Pesach” to ensure they meet the standards.
Whether you’re hosting your first Seder or just exploring the culinary side of Passover, the food is a rich entry point into Jewish culture and heritage. From starters with symbolic meaning, to very comforting main dishes, every bite tells part of an important and ancient, enduring tale.
Have You Tried Matzo Ball Soup?
If you give the recipe a go, share your results in the comments. And if you’ve got a favourite Passover dish or supplier in your area, we’d love to hear about it!