Brei Brei Birdy: The Jewish History of Matzah Brei Plus Recipes

by Aryeh Genger

How Matzah Brei became the iconic Passover dish we know and love.

Every family has their recipe for Matzah Brei… some like it crumbled more like scrambled eggs, some like it more like an omelet, some like its spicy, others salty, and others drizzled with maple syrup or honey for a sweet dessert. Matzah Brei is one of those unique dishes that everyone loves, but just doesn't taste the same when it’s not Passover. But how did it become one of the main dishes synonymous with Passover?

Origins of Matzah Brei

Matzah Brei is a simple dish using…well, you guessed it, matzah and eggs to make a crispy, savory or sweet treat. During Passover, we celebrate our freedom and observant Jews don't eat any leavened bread and instead eat matzah as their “bread” for the seven (in Israel) or eight (everywhere else) days of Passover.

Jews avoid eating leavened bread in memory of the Israelites' hasty flight from Egypt, during which they did not have time to let their bread rise. Instead, they ate unleavened bread or what we consider today to be matzah. Learn more about the symbolism of matzah here.

Matzah Brei is a delicious (less dry and crumbly) way to enjoy matzah during the holiday and is a beloved tradition for many Jewish families. According to Yiddish scholar and culinary historian Eve Jochnowitz, the term brei comes from the Yiddish word meaning to scorch or sear. In several Eastern European regions, the dish is called oyfgefrishte matzas, meaning the matzah has been "freshened up" – the same description used for French toast.

Variations of Matzah Brei

There are many variations of Matzah Brei, depending on personal taste and regional preferences. In its most basic form, Matzah Brei is made by soaking matzah in water or milk, then mixing it with eggs and frying it in butter or oil. Some prefer a sweeter version, adding cinnamon and sugar, while others prefer a savory version, adding onions, cheese, or even smoked salmon or salami. What makes Matzah Brei so special is the number of different twists that can change it up.

Chef Jayne Cohen's special recipe for matzah brei includes sauteed artichoke hearts and fresh dill. Cohen also plays around before it hits the pan, swapping out the water used to soak the matzah for something that imparts a bit more flavor, like wine or cream. Keep reading to see more variations on our favorite Passover dish.

Evolution of Matzah Brei

Now, the main difference between an ordinary matzah brei made in the US and an old-world matzah brei eaten by Hasidic or Galician Jews is found in the matzah itself. Old-world matzah was made by hand in contrast to modern machine-made matzahs.

Outside of their different shapes (with hand-made matzahs being round and machine-made matzahs being square). The hand-made matzah has a much richer, nuttier flavor and an almost burnt flavor which many find appealing.

For such a simple dish, you wouldn't expect it to have the "cult" following it has. Ruth Reichl, the former editor of Gourmet and esteemed restaurant critic, has eaten at the best restaurants in the world, and even to her, there is something special about Matzah Brei. Reichl describes matzah brei as one of the most comforting dishes in the world in her cookbook. "You might as well stay in Egypt if you can't have matzah brei," she says.

This dish has become so popular in North America that it is prepared year-round in many households. In the past, it was the one dish that nearly every average American Jewish person knew how to make. It's a moment of breakfast glory for many Jewish mothers and fathers.

Like so many holiday dishes, matzah brei gets its staying power from family tradition and memory as much as from flavor. While Matzah Brei is a great dish that can be served year-round, usually, it is reserved for those seven or eight days of Passover. I think there's a lot of beauty in that idea. Like it says in Ecclesiastes (and sung by The Byrds) - "for everything, there is a season." Maybe we just need to eat certain foods at certain times to mark our own progress through time.

Matzah Brei is a beloved dish that has been enjoyed by generations of Jewish families around the world. From its humble origins as a simple way to use up leftover matzah, it has evolved into a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory version, Matzah Brei is a delicious way to celebrate the holiday of Passover or to enjoy any time of the year. So the next time you're looking for a tasty breakfast or snack, give Matzah Brei a try. Your taste buds (and your ancestors) will thank you!