Getting Ready: Passover Dinner Process

Cooking for forty to fifty is very different from cooking for eight as I am sure you all know.  I am taking a break, and while I do my matzo ball mixture is chilling containing 4 cups meal, 16 eggs, 1 cup canola oil and tons of fresh dill, cinnamon and almonds with salt and pepper.  I will allow it to chill longer – probably 4 hours before rolling and cooking the balls. Then tomorrow, I will reheat them in the broth and serve.

We are cooking four briskets each weighing between 5 and 6 pounds.  Using the foil pans covered in foil for easy transport and cleanup.  First stage cooking today  baking at 375 degrees for 90 minutes.  Each brisket has been sliced thin across the grain and returned intact to its pan.  Tomorrow, will top with ketchup before completing cooking for another 2 hours.  We slice in the midst of cooking to ensure neat slices;  as you probably have found, waiting until the meat is fully cooked exposes you to its falling apart if it is properly tender.

Right now, I am reducing the broth from the chicken and leeks for my chicken dish.  Here is the recipe for 40 (I would count on many fewer servings if this is the only meat entree) and remember to serve with millet or other starch..

Middle Eastern Chicken Stew

• 18 leeks
• 3/4 cups olive oil
• 9 pounds boneless chicken thighs
• 11 cups garbanzo liquid + chicken broth
• 6 cans garbanzo beans (14 oz -16 oz)
• 5 teaspoons salt
• 6 teaspoons red wine vinegar

Cut chicken into bite size pieces.  Clean leeks and cut away the tough green leaves.  Slice thinly.  Saute chicken and leeks in batches in nonstick skillet until leeks are tender and chicken is browned on outside.  Remove batches to bowl as cooked.  In large kettle, bring liquids to boil and add chicken with leeks. Simmer for a half hour.  Remove chicken and leeks to pan then reduce broth by half.  Place garbanzos in container and refrigerate with chicken and reduction until serving prep begins.

When ready to serve, add salt, vinegar and garbanzos to liquid along with chicken and bring to serving temperature.