| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 157 | 2.2g | 0.3g | 31g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 0.1g | 1.1g | 4.1g | 0.04g |
About Matzo
In the vast world of breads, it’s easy for some to get lost in the shuffle. Everyone knows about sourdough, baguettes and cornbread, but have you heard about Matzo? This remarkably simple yet deliciously satisfying bread hails from Jewish tradition—a crisp and humble ingredient that forms the backbone of a myriad of culinary delights. Every morsel whispers tales from the past, offering a wonderfully unifying experience.
An Age-Old Tradition in Every Bite
Consisting minimally of flour, water, a bit of kosher salt and a touch of olive oil, Matzo brings earthy, simple flavors to life in a way that few other breads can. Each bite captures its straightforward simplicity, alluding to its roots in the time-honored Jewish Passover tradition where only unleavened bread is allowed. Time is of the essence with this recipe. Tradition insists that no more than eighteen minutes pass between the combining of the flour and the water, and the completion of baking—making this a fun, if challenging, bread to prepare at home. You can learn more about this here, on the My Jewish Learning site.
More than meets the ‘Palate’
The beauty of Matzo extends far beyond its cultural significance. This bread’s uncomplicated nature lends it a level of versatility that few others can boast. Crumble it up to create Matzo Meal—a key component in traditional dishes like Matzo Ball Soup. To broaden your understanding and gain new recipe inspirations with Matzo, a quick perusal of Allrecipes’ Matzo section provides an extensive range of options.
The crunchy character of the bread makes it an ideal foundation for Matzo Brei, a scrumptious passover breakfast or snack. It’s similar to what you might expect from French toast, yet stands independent with its unique texture and taste. If you’re a fan of this beloved breakfast dish, then Matzo Brei is an absolute must-try. Check out this recipe from Tori Avey.
So, why not give Matzo a chance to shine at your next gathering? This humble bread might just surprise you with its simplicity and its impressive versatility. From cultural traditions to everyday meals, Matzo truly is a bread for all seasons.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of water
- 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Method
Step One
First, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven too.
Step Two
In a large bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
Step Three
Slowly add 1 cup of water to your flour mixture, mixing continuously. Knead the dough in the bowl until it forms a ball.
Step Four
On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 12 even pieces. Roll out each piece as thin as you can without creating any holes.
Step Five
Brush each piece of dough lightly with olive oil. This will help the matzo crisp up in the oven.
Step Six
Place the dough pieces onto your preheated pizza stone or on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 2–5 minutes, or until the matzo is lightly browned and crisp. Time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close watch to avoid burning.
Step Seven
Remove the matzo from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
Step Eight
Enjoy your homemade matzo! It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
