Bitter Herb Recipes for Passover

What is the "bitter herb" that Scripture says the Israelites ate at their Passover? What recipes can we use to incorporate a bitter herb into our own Passover meals today? We find this description in Exodus.

"They are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and unleavened bread." -Exodus 12:8

The Bible doesn't exactly specify what the bitter is that was eaten along with the roasted lamb and unleavened bread, so we can't know for sure what they ate that night in Egypt. Since Scripture doesn't specify exactly which herb or green or vegetable is being pointed to, that gives us freedom to use what's available near us or what we are used to in our cultural cooking. I love that the Living God gave flexibility in this so that no matter where his people are they can participate in this! Traditionally horseradish is often used. Parsley, endive, romaine, and even celery are popular choices, and greens such as mustard or dandelion greens could be used too. I think any type of green, lettuce, or herb with a slightly bitter taste would be appropriate to eat on Passover.

Potential bitter herbs for Passover:

Parsley
Romaine lettuce
Endive
Radicchio
Kale
Collard greens
Mustard flowers or greens
Dandelion greens
Horseradish
Wasabi
Celery
Bitter melon
Broccoli rabe
Any other herbs, greens, or vegetables with a slight or strong bitter taste.

There are so many different ways you can incorporate these into your Passover meal! From salads to sauces to braised greens or cooked veggies on the side, there is no right or wrong way to incorporate a bitter herb element into your menu. Again, I believe YHWH intentionally lets us use the plants and produce that are in our area and available to us so that all of his people can participate in this custom.

These recipes are just a few ideas for incorporating some of these into your Passover meal for a bitter herb element.

Gremolata from Love and Lemons

Coconut Curried Greens from Minimalist Baker

Bistro Salad from Pinch of Yum

Beet and Goat Cheese Endive Bites from A Beautiful Plate

Sauteed Broccoli Rabe from Love and Lemons

Easy Massaged Kale Salad from Minimalist Baker

Chimichurri Sauce from Love and Lemons

Celery Salad with Torn Olives, Almonds, and Parmesan from Cookie and Kate

Endive Salad with Parmesan and Orange from A Couple Cooks

Grain Free Tabbouleh from Minimalist Baker

Quick Collard Greens from Cookie and Kate

5 Minute Kale Pesto from Pinch of Yum

More about Passover:
The Beginner's Guide to Passover
Meal Ideas for the Feast of Unleavened Bread
What the Bible Says About Passover

Passover Menu Inspiration from the Seder Plate

Here's a Passover menu to think about trying this year. If you do a Seder plate, I think it's really fun to use those elements for your actual meal. While a Seder plate (consisting of a roasted lamb bone, bitter herb, some sort of vegetable, charoset, and horseradish) is traditional, I love that each elements tells part of the exodus and Passover story - the gospel in five courses, if you will. I've put together a menu based on these foods. These recipes are healthy, and can be made ahead of time. Other than the lamb, everything can be served cold or at room temperature - which I'm a huge fan of because sometimes Seder runs long, and this way I don't have to keep running back to the kitchen to keep an eye on things. You can feel free to cut out a few of the dishes and still have a wonderful meal. Are you hosting a potluck? Just email each person one of these recipes to bring.

Mediterranean Grilled Lamb Kabobs from Half Baked Harvest
Of course lamb is one of the centerpieces in the Passover meal of Exodus. While we no longer need animal sacrifice because of the Messiah, this is a great way to experience part of Scripture.

Einkorn Matzah Bread from Land of Honey
Unleavened bread is another food from the Passover story. This version is a hundred times better than the boxed stuff, if I do say so myself. It is also much more similar to what would have actually been eaten during the Biblical Passovers.

Chopped Greek Salad from Cookie and Kate
Romaine is often used as the 'bitter herb' that the Israelites were instructed to eat at the Passover right before the exodus. The bitterness reminds us of Israelite slavery and the bitterness of life without the Messiah. You can omit the feta cheese to avoid mixing with meat, if necessary.
Serve it with horseradish vinaigrette! 

Red Pepper Tabbouleh from Minimalist Baker
Parsley is used in traditional Seders as the "karpas" or vegetable which is dipped in salt water to remind us of the tears of the Israelites as they cried out to YHWH. This tabbouleh is a great use for the abundance of spring time parsley and goes well with lamb.

Easy Honey Apple Charoset from Raia's Recipes

Charoset symbolizes laying bricks under slavery, because of its mortar-like consistency. The sweetness of it reminds us that he is faithful to work all things together for good.

To round out the meal...

These items aren't found on a Seder plate but go well with the above recipes.

Vegan Tzatziki from Minimalist Baker
Using lots of herbs this is fitting with the bitter herbs of Scripture. It's great with lamb or on the romaine salad or just as a veggie dip.

Epic Baba Ganoush from Cookie and Kate
Serve this with fresh veggies and unleavened bread.

Chickpea Salad with Carrots and Dill from Cookie and Kate
A filling option for vegetarians in your group.

Beet Hummus from Snixy Kitchen
Any kind of hummus would be a great addition to this meal. This one reminds me of Seders where the horseradish was hot pink. You can leave out the yogurt.

Find kosher for Passover dessert recipes here.