Food has such a strong way of connecting us to memories and traditions. What dishes did you love most as a kid during Passover? Any that you still make every year?
For me, something is grounding about cooking for Passover. I think it has to do with how the food of Passover inspires storytelling. I love the smell of the matzo ball soup simmering on the stove, the taste of my mother’s potato kugel, or even how my oldest daughter peels apples for charoset just like grandmother used to. Cooking becomes a kind of storytelling, a ritual where every ingredient and step carries a piece of family history and cultural tradition.
It’s not just about remembering when we were slaves in Egypt — it’s about recognizing your freedom and being thankful for your family gatherings, the laughter, the mess in the kitchen, and the quiet meaning behind it all. The kitchen becomes a sacred space where memory is alive and tangible.
Any modern host knows that curating a Passover menu that honors tradition while creating your own unique mix of customs, dietary needs, and flavor preferences can be both a challenge and a joy. Thankfully, we’ve got two cookbooks that help bridge that gap: Nosh by Micah Siva and 52 Shabbats by Faith Kramer. Together, they offer fresh takes and time-honored recipes that are perfect for this special time of year.
Whether you’re planning a classic Ashkenazi-style Seder, a Sephardic-inspired spread, or something beautifully in between, this menu draws from both books to bring bold flavors and meaningful rituals to your table.
As Faith Kramer explains in 52 Shabbats, “Passover (or Pesach) rituals and customs vary by personal observance and beliefs, but there are some basics.” While every family brings their own rhythm and meaning to the Seder table, the essence remains the same: telling the story of liberation through symbolic foods—and plenty of love.
Micah Siva echoes this beautifully in Nosh, reflecting on how her own table evolved over time: “Growing up Ashkenazi, we stayed away from both chametz and kitniyot, and after marrying my Sephardic husband...our Passover became a blend of both sides.” That spirit of blending—old and new, traditional and modern, Ashkenazi and Sephardic—inspired the following menu, curated from both cookbooks to celebrate a meaningful and delicious Passover.
Here’s what we’re serving:
To start, the sides bring freshness, familiarity, and a little flair.
Micah Siva’s Herbed Horseradish Salad (Nosh, p. 91) puts a vibrant spin on maror, balancing bitter with bright herbs. From 52 Shabbats (p. 118), Faith Kramer’s Gefilte Fish with Smashed Tomato Topping reimagines the often-divisive classic with bold Mediterranean flavors. And the Cast-Iron Potato and Caramelized Onion Kugel (Nosh, p. 110) is a crisp-edged comfort that feels both rustic and refined.
For soup, it wouldn’t be Passover without matzo balls—so we’re offering two.
Faith’s Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls (52 Shabbats, p. 196) is pure tradition, soul-soothing and deeply savory. And for our plant-based guests (and fans of Micah’s vegan magic), the Vegan Matzo Ball Soup (Nosh, p. 84) is a beloved favorite that more than holds its own at the Seder table.
Mains are where this menu really sings.
A Whole Roast Chicken with Herbs (52 Shabbats, p. 30) keeps things classic, aromatic, and shareable. Alongside it, Micah’s Dukkah-Crusted Fried Cauliflower “Steaks” (Nosh, p. 148) bring texture, spice, and a Sephardic nod to the table—perfect for vegetarians or anyone craving something a little different.
And finally, dessert is a celebration in every bite.
Faith’s Fruit Juice Sorbet (52 Shabbats, p. 191) is light, refreshing, and the perfect way to end a rich meal. Micah’s Passover Coconut Macaroons (Nosh, p. 182) are delightfully chewy, subtly sweet, and just nostalgic enough to feel like home. Add a drizzle of chocolate if you’re so inclined.
Whether you're hosting your first Seder or looking to refresh your family traditions, this menu offers a thoughtful mix of heritage and creativity. We've gathered all the featured recipes into a downloadable PDF to make your planning even easier so you can spend less time searching and more time savoring. Chag Sameach!
