Economic hardships have spared no household, with prices relentlessly rising—from electricity to supermarket essentials. Arduous circumstances notwithstanding, one must still prepare a festive and tasteful holiday meal. How? By saving wherever possible.
Here are some elegant tips to celebrate Passover seder on a budget.
First, embrace the idea of forgoing expensive ingredients like lamb, fish, asparagus or fresh fava beans. While these might be delicious, photogenic for Instagram, and suitable for festive dishes, they're inevitably accompanied with a hefty price tag. Fear not: you can do wonderfully without them.
Even with simple, affordable ingredients, you can create culinary delights that leave your guests savoring every bite. Cook liver in red wine, enhance carrot soup with chopped chives, add a touch of sugar and plenty of lemon to sour cabbage salad, or craft crispy potatoes mashed before baking. The possibilities are endless. Plenty of recipes shine with humble ingredients like onions, carrots, cabbage, chicken liver, whole chicken or chicken parts.
The most essential tip? Don't hesitate to ask for help from your guests. If you're hosting family or friends, assign a small task to each person. Ask the culinary enthusiasts to bring a salad or an intriguing side dish. Request your talented aunt, known for her baking, to contribute her signature Passover cake for dessert. For the busier or less skilled guests, a bottle of wine will be perfect. This won't just ease preparation but will also lighten the financial burden.
Plan your menu in advance, prepare a shopping list accordingly, and stick to it. The most cost-effective approach is to build your menu around items already in your freezer, fridge or pantry. How? Begin not with what you'd like to cook but with what you already have, completing the meal with minor purchases. Found chicken breast in the freezer? Use it as a salad topping, a starter with matzah and matbucha, or even as a main dish baked with rosemary and olive oil. Never visit the market or supermarket without a list.
Opt for safe and straightforward recipes, avoiding complex or unfamiliar ones. These often lead to disappointment, and no one wants to discard a failed dish.
Seek out deals in supermarkets and stores—there are plenty before the holiday. Split your shopping based on the best bargains. For instance, purchase tomato paste in one place and tahini in another. Many stores offer bulk discounts, which can significantly lower meal costs if hosting many guests. If not, buy in bulk and share with neighbors or family. Be mindful not to overdo quantities—avoid preparing excessive food that might end up wasted. Learn from past mistakes, reduce portions, and remember—no one will leave hungry.
Leftovers from the Passover seder meal? Don't toss them. Repurpose them creatively. Yesterday’s rice (for those who eat legumes) or grilled chicken can transform into new dishes.
