Matzo Meal Substitutes

Matzo Meal Substitutes

This article provides an overview of matzo meal, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make matzo meal substitutes.

What is Matzo Meal?

Matzo meal is a type of breadcrumb from ground matzo that is used to make unleavened flatbread, popular in Jewish cuisine.

In the Torah, God commanded the Israelites to eat only unleavened bread for 7 days, so, therefore, it forms an integral element in the Passover festival.

What does Matzo Meal taste like?

Matzo meal when cooked has been described as a giant cracker and that is also how it tastes. It has a rather light and salty taste and takes on the flavor of whatever topping you put on.

Is Matzo Meal readily available in Supermarkets?

Matzo meal should be available in most major supermarkets, either in the baking supplies aisle or world foods. You will also find it very easily in any kosher store.

What are some alternative names for Matzo Meal?

Matzo is also known as matza and matzah. Matzo meal also comes in the form of matzo cake meal and matzo farfel, where the difference is identified by the grind coarseness.

What is a good substitute for Matzo Meal in recipes?

Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for matzo meal. These include:

  • During Passover, it is important to not use any substitutes with ingredients that are prohibited, which includes grains and seeds such as rice and corn. Some accepted substitutes include:
  • During other times of the year, there are many more substitutes for Matzo Meal such as:
    • Bread crumbs
    • Saltine Crackers
    • Quinoa Flour

What cuisines is Matzo Meal used in?

Matzo meal is a type of flour made from ground matzo crackers, which are unleavened bread used in Jewish cuisine. Matzo meal is a versatile ingredient used in a variety of dishes in Jewish cuisine, as well as other cuisines around the world. Here are some of the cuisines where matzo meal is used:

Jewish Cuisine

Matzo meal is a staple ingredient in Jewish cuisine, especially during Passover, when leavened bread is prohibited. It is used to make matzo balls, a traditional Jewish dumpling made from matzo meal, eggs, and oil, that are often served in chicken soup. Matzo meal is also used to make matzo brei, a dish made from matzo meal and eggs that is similar to French toast.

Eastern European Cuisine

In Eastern European cuisine, matzo meal is used in dishes such as knishes, a traditional Jewish pastry filled with mashed potatoes, onions, and other ingredients. It is also used in making gefilte fish, a traditional Jewish dish made from ground fish and other ingredients.

Middle Eastern Cuisine

Matzo meal is used in Middle Eastern cuisine, especially in dishes that are similar to Jewish cuisine. For example, in Lebanon, matzo meal is used in making sambusak, a type of pastry filled with meat or cheese.

American Cuisine

In the United States, matzo meal is used in traditional Jewish-American dishes, such as matzo ball soup and Passover-friendly versions of popular dishes like latkes (potato pancakes) and kugel (a sweet or savory casserole). Matzo meal is also used as a coating for fried foods, such as chicken or fish.

Latin American Cuisine

In Latin American cuisine, matzo meal is used in dishes such as chupe de camarones, a type of shrimp chowder made with matzo meal as a thickener. It is also used in making tortilla de camarones, a type of shrimp fritter.