Religious Recipes

Matzah

Matzah is the Hebrew name for unleavened bread, that is, bread made without yeast. In the religion of Judaism, it is required for the feast of Passover (Pesach), when all foods containing leaven (yeast) have to be put out of the house. It is a reminder for the Jews of the first Passover when their ancestors had to leave Egypt quickly. There was no time to let their dough rise before baking. Instead, they prepared flat, unleavened bread.
Ingredients

250g plain flour
150ml cold water
oil

Pre-heat oven to 240°C (Gas Mark 9). In a large mixing bowl mix the flour and water well together.
Knead the mixture until it becomes a frim dough
Make the dough into balls about 2 inches across
On a rolling board, squash each ball flat with your hand and then roll into very thin sheets (about 6 or 7 inches by 5 inches)
Oil a baking tray and place the sheets onto it. Prick the sheets with a fork in lines all the way across and down.
Bake for 4 or 5 minutes until they are crisp and starting to turn brown.
Leave to cool, when they will be ready to eat.

G. Jones:
The FitzWimarc School, Rayleigh, Essex.