What’s the Difference Between Matzo, Matzo Meal and Matzo Farfel?
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
If you’re confused about the difference between matzo products, you aren’t alone (and we’re here to help).
Matzo is the unleavened bread traditionally associated with Passover. If you’re new to planning a Passover menu, the different types of matzo can get a little confusing, but it’s actually pretty simple. Matzo meal, matzo cake meal and matzo farfel are all made from the same thing (you guessed it): matzo.
Ground Matzo
Matzo meal, matzo cake meal and matzo ball mix are all types of ground matzo. Matzo meal is slightly coarse, like the texture of breadcrumbs. Matzo cake meal is finely ground and is commonly used to make Passover baked goods and crusts. Matzo ball mix is basically seasoned matzo meal.
Matzo Farfel
Matzo farfel is simply crumbled matzo. It’s not finely ground, but closer to the size of coarsely crushed crackers. The bigger size makes it ideal for for bready stuffings, crunchy toppings, and sweet or savory kugels. To make things a little big more confusing, there are matzo farfel noodles, which are completely different than matzo farfel. They are tiny, pellet-shaped egg noodles made with flour, egg and salt.
Homemade versus Store-Bought
It’s true, you just buy Matzo and make your own meal, cake meal and farfel as needed, but, like everything else these days, convenience is king. Plus, if you’re new to matzo, it might be helpful to buy prepared until you have a better sense of what the texture of each product should be like before trying a new recipe for Passover.
One More Caveat (For the Gentiles)
While matzo is a traditional food for Passover, not all matzo is kosher, which is a requirement for a Passover meal. Skip over the matzo packages labeled “not kosher for Passover” when shopping for ingredients for your dish to pass.
Next up: 5 Fun Facts About Matzo You Don’t Know (Yet)
Plan Your Passover Seder with These Classic Recipes
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Pistachio Baked Salmon
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Ribbon Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Zucchini, cucumbers and carrots are peeled into “ribbons” for this citrusy salad. We like to serve it for parties and special occasions. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Savory Rubbed Roast Chicken
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Sweet and Sour Brisket
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Double-Nut Stuffed Figs
We have a family member that has diabetes, so dessert can get tricky. These sweet, nutritious stuffed figs keep us all happy. —Bob Bailey, Columbus, Ohio
Roasted Carrots & Fennel
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Tangy Lamb Tagine
I love lamb stew, but wanted to try something a bit different, so I created this recipe that uses Moroccan spices. It's a wonderful way to use lamb, and it's easy to make in the slow cooker. The stew tastes even better served a day or two later, when the flavors have really had a chance to meld. —Bridget Klusman, Otsego, Michigan
Mediterranean Mashed Potatoes
It's hard for our family to imagine eating mashed potatoes any other way but this. It tastes great on its own or drizzled with tahini sauce. —Nikki Haddad, Germantown, Maryland
Lemony Parsley Baked Cod
The trick to avoid overcooking a good piece of fish is to cook it at a high temperature for a short amount of time. Do that and the fish stays moist and tender. —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan
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Herb-Roasted Salmon Fillets
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Originally Published: February 23, 2019
