Seder, the ceremonial meal that family and friends share on the first and second nights of Passover, can present a challenge to vegetarian cooks. Not just because the symbolic meal features meat (a roasted lamb shank bone is traditional on the seder plate), but also because the list of foods that can’t be eaten during Passover includes most grains and, in some Jewish cultures, allbeans and legumes. To sidestep the ingredient dilemma, entertaining expert Myra Kornfeld has put together a seder menu that uses some ingenious twists (quinoa in a crustless pie; almond flour in a chocolate mousse cake) and highlights the bounty of spring. The result? A flavorful, seasonal feast worthy of a holiday occasion.

THE VEG SEDER PLATE

A traditional seder plate features six symbolic foods, including a roasted lamb shank bone. Vegetarians often use a fresh beet in place of the shank bone (shown). For a vegan variation, you could also swap an avocado pit for the roasted egg.

 

Greens and Quinoa Pie

Technically, quinoa is not a grain (it’s related to spinach and chard), so it’s perfect for Passover. Here, spring greens are wilted then mixed with quinoa and cheese for a golden-crusted savory pie.

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Garlicky Leek and Artichoke Soup

A light artichoke soup gets a blast of flavor from a swirl of basil pesto. If the soup seems too thick when blended, simply add a little more water or broth to the mixture until desired consistency is achieved.

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Tunisian Carrot Salad with Radishes and Olives

This brightly colored salad adds a fresh, festive touch to the meal. Blanching the carrot slices gives them a crisp-tender texture and brings out their sweetness. For best results, serve the salad at room temperature.

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Mocha Chocolate Mousse Cake

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This dessert puffs like a soufflé when baked, then settles to become a rich, mousse-like cake. When slicing, use a knife dipped in hot water and then wiped dry. The heated blade will glide smoothly through the cake without sticking.

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  Tabil-Spiced Potato-and-Egg Cigars

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  Breakfast Tacos with Cheesy-Hemp-Scrambled Tofu

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  Strawberry Gazpacho with Lime Cilantro Cream

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  Tangy Twice-Baked Potatoes

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  Corn-Quinoa Salad

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  Mixed Green Salad with Maple-Nut Clusters and Blueberry Dressing

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  Honey-Mustard Broccoli Salad

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  French Onion Soup

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  Baby Romaine Salad with Date Vinaigrette