Passover Mina/Pastel con Gomo de Espinaca 

(Sefardi Passover Matzah Spinach Pie)

The recipe is from Olive Trees & Honey, by Gil Marks. This Sefardi Jewish pie is often referred to online as a kind of lasagna. However, instead of a pastry crust or pasta, it is 2 layers of matzah (the cracker-like unleavened "bread" of Passover) which contain the filling. The top is brushed with an eggwash, and then it's all baked until golden.

One of the fillings the book recommends contains spinach, and that reminded me of the leftover Saag Paneer in the freezer. Saag Paneer is an Indian dish that here contains spinach, onion, and tofu (in place of Indian cheese), so I thought it would make a reasonable shortcut for the first time making this Mina.

I really enjoyed this Mina. Now that I'm more familiar with the technique, maybe some time I can make it again with more traditional fillings.

Matzah Upma (South Indian Savory Porridge)

Upma is a South Indian savory dish made with sooji (like Cream of Wheat), or you can make it with sevai (noodles). I have also made it with Cream of Rice, and seen recipes for bread upma. This time, I thought I'd experiment with a matzah version. Aside from matzah, it includes oil, mustard seeds, a little each of channa dal and urad dal, salt, onion, green bell pepper, tomato, and green peas; served with a squeeze of lemon juice. I was glad to find that it tasted just like upma! 

Mumbai Masala Matzah/Matzah Bhaji 

(Indian Snack Sandwich with Spiced Veggies)

This recipe is based on Rekha Kakkar's Mumbai Masala Pav [Pav Bhaji] recipe, as seen in her recent Instagram post. This was a very quick and simple way to prepare the veggies, with matzah used here as a substitute for the pav (roll). I did have to use oil instead of butter (too rich) to cook the veggies, but ventured to try a little coconut oil for the actual "sandwich" with the matzah. I liked the results, and hope to try this again soon, either with pav rolls, or with any other kind of bread which I have handy. 

@rekhakakkar Instagram, Mumbai Masala Pav video

Rekha Kakkar Photography Facebook

Masala Matzah Brei (Savory Matzah "French Toast")

This was inspired by numerous recipes and videos online for Masala French Toast. Matzah Brei is like French Toast, except with matzah rather than leavened bread. I learned how to make the savory (salty) version of Matzah Brei, myself, and thats how I always make it -- so, this isn't too much of a stretch. 

This Masala version includes, in addition to soaked and drained matzah, egg, and salt, also chopped onions, tomatoes, and green bell peppers, and some ground coriander and pav bhaji masala. All of this is mixed together well, and then fried in a frying pan in oil. I wasn't sure how it would turn out. However, once I first tasted it, I was happy to have it for breakfast.