Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing

Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing Recipe from Israel

Region / culture: Israel | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2-2.5 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing is a delicious and traditional dish that is perfect for the Passover holiday. This recipe combines tender chicken with a flavorful stuffing made with matzo, nuts, and aromatic vegetables. The chicken is then glazed with a sweet and tangy orange sauce, adding a burst of citrus flavor to every bite.

History

This recipe has its roots in Jewish cuisine and is often served during the Passover holiday, which commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Matzo, a type of unleavened bread, is a key ingredient in many Passover dishes, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt. The combination of matzo and nuts in the stuffing adds texture and flavor to the chicken, creating a dish that is both comforting and festive.

Ingredients

4 lb (1.81 kg) chicken
0.33 cup shortening
0.33 cup minced onion
0.33 cup finely chopped celery
1 can condensed clear chicken soup
0.33 cup chopped almonds
0.5 tsp salt
1 egg
0.13 tsp pepper
1 tbsp grated orange rind
4 broken matzos

Glaze

1 cup orange juice
2 tbsp grated orange rind
0.25 cup honey
0.25 cup shortening

How to prepare

In a large skillet, sauté the onion, celery, and nuts in shortening until the vegetables are tender.
Add the broken matzos to the skillet and toast them lightly.
In a large bowl, combine the salt, pepper, egg, soup, and rind.
Add the toasted matzo mixture to the bowl and mix well.
Stuff the 4 lb (1.81 kg) chicken with the matzo mixture and place the bird on a rack in an open roasting pan with the breast side down for the first half of the roasting time.
In a separate bowl, combine the ingredients for the glaze and pour it over the chicken.
Bake the chicken in a slow oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until it is browned and tender.

Variations

Substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile.
Add dried fruits such as raisins or apricots to the stuffing mixture for a touch of sweetness.
Use different herbs and spices in the stuffing mixture, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika, to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the matzos lightly before adding them to the stuffing mixture. This will help enhance their flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy during baking.

- Roast the chicken breast side down for the first half of the cooking time to ensure that the breast meat stays moist and tender.

- Baste the chicken with the orange glaze periodically during cooking to add flavor and moisture to the meat.

- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful end result.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roast the chicken breast side down for the first half of the cooking time to ensure even cooking and moist meat.

- Baste the chicken with the orange glaze periodically during cooking to add flavor and moisture to the meat.

- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful end result.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil or butter instead of shortening in the stuffing and glaze.

- Substitute the orange juice with apple juice or chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

- Use gluten-free matzo or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- Marinate the chicken in the orange glaze overnight for maximum flavor.

- Roast the chicken a day ahead and reheat it in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Passover Glazed Chicken with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color. - Serve the chicken on a platter with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of the orange glaze for an elegant presentation. - Arrange the chicken slices on a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

- Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the citrus flavors in the glaze.

- Finish the meal with a light and refreshing dessert such as fruit salad or sorbet to cleanse the palate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

- For best results, reheat the chicken covered with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and eggs.

Summary

Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing is a flavorful and festive dish that is perfect for the Passover holiday. The tender chicken is stuffed with a delicious mixture of matzo, nuts, and aromatic vegetables, then glazed with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Serve this dish with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that will delight your family and guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm spring day, just before Passover, and I was rummaging through an old wooden chest that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I sifted through the papers and trinkets, I stumbled upon a worn, yellowed piece of paper with faded handwriting. It was a recipe for Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing.

I could hardly contain my excitement as I carefully unfolded the delicate paper and read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe was like nothing I had ever seen before - a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors that promised to be a showstopper at any Passover Seder.

I knew I had to make this dish, not only to honor my great-grandmother's memory but also to continue the tradition of sharing delicious food with my family and friends. And so, I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing the kitchen for what would surely be a labor of love.

The first step in making the Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing was to marinate the chicken in a mixture of honey, lemon juice, and garlic. As the chicken soaked up the flavors, I began preparing the matzo-nut stuffing.

I crushed matzo crackers into a coarse meal and mixed them with chopped nuts, dried fruits, and a medley of spices. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air as I gently folded the ingredients together, creating a fragrant and savory stuffing that would soon be nestled inside the chicken.

With the chicken marinated and the stuffing ready, it was time to assemble the dish. I carefully stuffed each chicken breast with a generous portion of the matzo-nut mixture, sealing in the flavors with toothpicks and twine.

As the chicken baked in the oven, the sweet smell of honey and spices wafted through the kitchen, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. I couldn't wait to share this special dish with my family and friends, knowing that it would be a highlight of our Passover meal.

When the timer finally chimed, signaling that the Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing was ready, I eagerly removed it from the oven and basked in the golden glow of the perfectly cooked chicken. The glaze glistened in the light, adding a touch of sweetness to the savory dish.

As I plated the chicken and served it alongside a colorful array of vegetables and traditional Passover sides, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. This recipe was more than just a meal - it was a connection to my past, a link to my great-grandmother and the generations of women who came before me, sharing their love and knowledge through the art of cooking.

As my family gathered around the table to enjoy the Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing, the room filled with laughter and chatter, the clinking of silverware and the clinking of glasses. It was a moment of joy and togetherness, a celebration of tradition and heritage.

And as I took my first bite of the tender, flavorful chicken, I knew that this recipe would forever hold a special place in my heart. It was a dish that brought people together, that honored the past while embracing the present, and that reminded me of the power of food to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls.

In that moment, surrounded by my loved ones and savoring the delicious flavors of the Passover Glazed Chicken with Matzo-Nut Stuffing, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of cooking, for the ability to create something beautiful and meaningful out of simple ingredients and a touch of love. And I knew that this recipe would be passed down through the generations, cherished and enjoyed by those who came after me, a lasting legacy of family, tradition, and good food.