Matzoh can take many forms during the eight days of Passover: crushed into meal for baking or coating, topped whole with sauce and cheese for pizza, or fried with eggs for Matzoh brie. All can create Matzoh fatigue, but it can also be transformed into something a bit unexpected; that is, a riff on a holiday favorite; stuffing (minus the bread). Studded with meaty, browned mushrooms and translucent bits of celery and fennel, this is a delicious side dish perfect for soaking up gravy, or just as satisfying on its own.
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for greasing dish
- 3/4 pound mixture of shitake and crimini mushrooms, stems trimmed (removed for shitakes) and sliced
- 1 large onion (about 1 pound), chopped (about 2 cups)
- 2 medium fennel bulbs (about 1 1/2 pounds total), trimmed, cored and coarsely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
- 8 unsalted plain or egg matzos, broken into roughly 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
Equipment: A 2- to 2 1/2-quart shallow ovenproof baking dish
Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle.
Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until oil shimmers. Sauté mushrooms with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until the liquid they give off has evaporated and mushrooms are browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add remaining oil to skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook onion, fennel, and celery with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until softened and golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer to bowl with mushrooms.
Grease baking dish with olive oil. Spoon mixture evenly into dish, cover with foil and bake until set, 25 to 30 minutes. For a top with some crisp and browned edges, uncover and continue to bake about 5 minutes more.
Rinse Matzoh in a colander under hot running water until just softened, 15 to 30 seconds. Drain well. Add to vegetables with eggs, parsley, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and stir gently until combined. • Grease baking dish with olive oil. Spoon mixture evenly into dish, cover with foil and bake until set, 25 to 30 minutes. For a top with some crisp and browned edges, uncover and continue to bake about 5 minutes more.
Cooks' notes: Stuffing can be assembled (but not baked) one day ahead. Keep chilled, covered, then bring to room temperature 30 minutes before baking.
