Sweet Matzah Brei with Cardamom Cashew Crème and Berries

Chef Mark Reinfeld
Recipe by
Chef Mark Reinfeld

This vegan version of the Passover staple uses ground flax seeds to replace the eggs traditionally used in matzah brei. Ours is served with a decadent cardamom scented sweet vegan crème, using soaked raw cashews for the base.

Ingredients
CARDAMOM CASHEW CRÈME:
1 cup raw cashews
¾ cup water
¼ cup sugar or desired sweetener to taste
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
Pinch sea salt
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MATZAH BREI:
3 tablespoons ground flax seeds or chia seeds
¾ cup water
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
2-3 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter
5 matzahs
3 tablespoons sugar or desired sweetener to taste
Pinch sea salt
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GARNISH:
Fresh berries
Mint leaves
Directions

Prepare the Cashew Crème

  • Place the cashews in a bowl with ample water to cover. Allow to sit for 30 minutes up to a few hours. Drain, and rinse well.
  • Transfer to a blender with the remaining ingredients including the ¾ cup water and blend until creamy. Add more water if necessary to reach desired creaminess. While the cashews are soaking, prepare the matzah brei.

Prepare the Matzah Brei

  • Place the flax seeds, water, cinnamon, and cardamom in a small bowl and whisk well. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Run the matzah under warm water until just soft. Be careful not to over soak. Crumble into a bowl into small pieces (¼ to ½ inch is ok).  Add the sugar and pinch of salt, and mix well
  • Place a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the oil. Transfer the matzah mixture evenly to the pan. Allow to cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add the the soaked flax seed mixture and mix well so that it is evenly dispersed through the matzah. Flatten with a spatula so that one large ‘pancake’ is formed, approximately ¼ inch thick.
  • Allow to cook for 3 minutes.
  • Using a spatula, divide the pancake into four equal pieces, flip each piece and cook for 5 minutes, or until it starts to brown. Be careful not to burn. Flip once again and cook for an additional  2 minutes.

To serve

  • Top with cashew crème, fresh berries and garnish with a mint leaf. You can also create a double-layered matzah brei and place cashew crème between the two layers (see photo).