Eat Jewish Cookbook Showcases Traditional Passover Recipes with Modern Appeal
Melinda Strauss, a prominent Jewish content creator and educator based in New York, has released her debut cookbook titled Eat Jewish. The book features over 100 recipes that celebrate Jewish culinary heritage, including three standout dishes perfect for Passover: sweet and savory matzah brei, broccoli kugel, and Passover bagels. These recipes highlight Strauss's commitment to preserving traditional flavors while making them accessible to a broad audience.
From TikTok Fame to Cookbook Success
Strauss, known as "Jewish TikTok Mom—or Grandma" on social media, where she boasts more than 1.5 million followers, found inspiration for her cookbook from a simple family favorite. Her daughter Nora's love for onion soup mix-dusted roasted broccoli, dubbed "Nora's Broccoli" by followers, became the catalyst for the project. Strauss emphasizes that sharing even simple dishes can have a profound impact, encouraging others to explore and appreciate Jewish cuisine.
"For me, the theme wasn't just Jewish food, but it was my Jewish food, and being able to share that with the world," Strauss explains. Her recipes draw from Ashkenazi traditions she grew up with in Seattle, as well as Sephardi and Mizrahi influences learned from friends, creating a diverse culinary tapestry.
Embracing Tradition Without Modernization
In Eat Jewish, Strauss takes a deliberate step back from the trend of constantly modernizing classic dishes. While she includes some updated versions, her focus is on honoring historical recipes. "It's OK to make a kugel and love a kugel, if you've been eating it your whole life," she says, laughing. "I'm Ashkenazi, Polish, Hungarian, Russian, and I love a good kugel, and it's nothing to be ashamed of."
This approach has resonated with readers, many of whom have lost family recipes over time. Strauss's work serves as a valuable resource for preserving these culinary traditions, offering a bridge to the past through food.
Recipes for Everyone, Regardless of Background
Strauss addresses a common question from her audience: whether non-Jewish people can cook her recipes. She draws a parallel to how North Americans have adopted and adapted Italian dishes like pasta and pizza. "Don't be afraid to make challah if you're not Jewish. It's OK. Food is meant to be shared," she asserts. "To me, food is the greatest equalizer of anything in the world, because no matter what culture you're from, you can make food from another culture and enjoy it—but learn about it."
She encourages cooks to use her recipes as an opportunity to teach children about different cultures through the meals they prepare, fostering understanding and appreciation across communities.
Featured Passover Recipes from Eat Jewish
The cookbook includes three key recipes ideal for the Passover holiday:
- Sweet and Savory Matzah Brei: A versatile dish that can be customized with toppings like cinnamon sugar or savory herbs, reflecting the adaptability of Jewish cuisine.
- Broccoli Kugel: A comforting casserole that combines traditional ingredients with a modern twist, inspired by Strauss's family experiences.
- Passover Bagels: A creative take on bagels made without leavening agents, adhering to Passover dietary restrictions while delivering familiar flavors.
These dishes exemplify Strauss's philosophy of making Jewish food approachable and enjoyable for all, whether observing the holiday or simply exploring new culinary traditions. Eat Jewish is published by Rock Point and is available for those looking to deepen their connection to Jewish culture through cooking.
