Jewish Comfort Food: Matzo Brei with Spinach and Feta

April 5, 2012

Traditional matzo brei is a simple dish that combines matzo with eggs and butter and is usually served for breakfast. Like with most things, the recipe for matzo brei will vary from family to family and it is sometimes topped with sweet condiments like applesauce or jam. This is a savory version of this classic Jewish comfort food which uses whole wheat matzo, fresh spinach, feta, and onions. If you have never eaten matzo brei, you must try this recipe!

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 cups onions (about 1 large), chopped

1 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped

1/4 teaspoon salt

Fresh ground black pepper

10 ounces of fresh spinach or 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drai

3 wholes wheat matzos or regular, unsalted

6 egg whites

3 large eggs, we like Eggland’s Best eggs

1 tablespoon reduced-fat spread such as Smart Balance Light or Benecol Light

2/3 cup fat free feta cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

On a microwave safe plate, cook the onions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until soft.

Heat oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-heat until hot. Add onions and garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Stir in spinach and continue cooking for about 1-2 minutes until spinach is soft. Season with salt and pepper. Remove to a plate and set aside. Set aside the pan for a moment.

In the meantime, break up the matzos slightly and soak in a bowl of cold water for about 1-2 minutes until soft but don’t let them get too soggy! Drain the matzos and squeeze out the water. Combine the matzo in a bowl with eggs and egg whites.

In the same pan, melt the Smart Balance over medium-high heat. Add the matzo/egg mixture, cooked onions and spinach and scramble, stirring constantly until eggs are cooked.

Divide among 4 plates. Sprinkle each plate with feta cheese and serve immediately. Let everyone season their own with salt and pepper to taste.