National Dish Israel: Matzah Brei with Honey (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Matzah Brei with Honey, a comforting classic that turns simple sheets of matzah into something quietly special. Crumbled crackers are soaked, folded through beaten egg and fried until golden, then finished with a generous drizzle of honey. Traditionally made during Passover to use up leftover matzah, it is quick, homely and endlessly adaptable — the sort of dish that works just as happily for a lazy weekend breakfast as for a mid-afternoon snack.
About Matzah Brei with Honey
Matzah brei is a much-loved dish in Jewish cooking, prepared most often during the Passover festival. At its heart is crumbled matzah softened in a mixture of eggs and milk or water, which cooks up wonderfully aromatic in the pan. A spoonful of honey adds a gentle sweetness that turns the dish into a real treat. Thanks to its simple preparation, matzah brei makes an ideal breakfast or a light snack at any time of day.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 sheets of matzah
- 2 eggs
- 50 ml milk or water
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- A pinch of salt
Shopping for the ingredients
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference to matzah brei. Matzah is available in most supermarkets and grocery shops, especially in the run-up to Passover. Look for fresh matzah, as it delivers the best flavour and texture. Honey can be used either runny or set, though the liquid kind spreads more evenly and drizzles beautifully over the finished dish.
Preparing the dish
A little groundwork helps the dish come together smoothly. Before you start cooking, break the matzah into small pieces — this makes it easier to combine with the eggs and helps everything cook evenly. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and beat them well before whisking in the milk or water. These small preparations ensure a lovely, even consistency and plenty of flavour in your finished matzah brei.
Step-by-step instructions
- Break the matzah into small pieces and place them in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, the milk or water and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the liquid over the matzah and mix well so every piece is coated.
- Heat a little oil in a frying pan and add the matzah mixture.
- Fry over a medium heat until golden and set, turning regularly for an even colour.
- Drizzle with honey just before serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Matzah brei is easy to adapt into a gluten-free version. Instead of ordinary matzah, reach for gluten-free crispbreads or the special gluten-free matzah now widely available. The milk can be swapped for a plant-based alternative such as oat, almond or soya milk. These simple changes make the dish suitable for anyone with intolerances, without giving up any of its delicious flavour.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flaxseed or chia seeds. Stir one tablespoon of ground flax or chia into three tablespoons of water and leave it for a few minutes until it thickens to a gel. Use a plant-based milk to keep the dish lactose-free, and finish with maple syrup instead of honey for a fully vegan result. These swaps keep the recipe accessible while preserving its cosy character.
More tips and tricks
A few extra spices or additions can make your matzah brei your own. Try a little cinnamon or vanilla for extra warmth and aroma. For a fruity note, fold in chopped nuts or fresh fruit such as banana or apple before frying. These variations enrich the flavour and make the dish that little bit more interesting each time you cook it.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Matzah brei is wonderfully flexible. Depending on your taste, you can vary the amount of honey or reach for a different sweetener altogether. If you prefer things less sweet, use the honey sparingly or leave it out entirely. A savoury version is equally good — add onions and seasoning for a completely different flavour, much like the comforting bake of a Jerusalem Kugel.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have no matzah to hand, toast or other dry breads can be crumbled and used instead. Wholemeal fans might enjoy the special wholemeal matzah, which offers a heartier, more nutritious option. When it comes to sweetening, agave syrup or coconut sugar both make fine alternatives to honey — as does a spoonful of the date-based Silan Date Syrup.
Drink pairing ideas
Plenty of drinks complement the sweet or savoury notes of matzah brei. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a fruity smoothie makes a refreshing partner. For a cosier occasion, a cup of tea such as chamomile or peppermint is a lovely choice. Water with a squeeze of lemon is another excellent option to keep the palate fresh between mouthfuls.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present your matzah brei attractively, spoon it onto a large, shallow plate and finish with an extra drizzle of honey or a scattering of fresh fruit for colour and texture. A handful of chopped nuts adds not only good looks but also a pleasing crunch. Add a small sprig of mint as a garnish to create a fresh contrast, echoing the generous plating found across Israeli cuisine.
A bit of history
Matzah brei has its origins in Jewish tradition and is most closely associated with the Passover festival, when it offers a clever way to use up leftover matzah while delivering a familiar, comforting taste. Historically it was valued as a simple dish that was both nourishing and quick to make — much in the spirit of festive favourites like Charoset and Matzah Ball Soup. Today it is enjoyed far beyond Jewish households, served in many kitchens as a delicious breakfast.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Matzah Brei with Honey
Matzah brei with honey is not only a simple dish but also a flavourful one, bringing a touch of Jewish culture to the table. With just a few ingredients and a handful of easy steps, it comes together quickly and reliably. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack or even as a dessert, the variations are endless. Give it a go and savour a delicious journey into the culture of Israel.
