Passover (Alison's Version) | Home Movies with Alison Roman

The video begins with a humorous anecdote about a lost AirPod case and a reward offered for its return, likened to the afikomen from Jewish tradition. Alison Roman, the host, then introduces the theme of Passover and her love for the holiday, which she equates with Thanksgiving in spirit. She discusses traditional Passover foods, including matzo ball soup and brisket, and shares her personal twist on brisket, which is tangy, salty, and deeply savory without the typical ketchup-based sauce. The video sets the stage for a home movie-style Passover meal featuring Alison's unique take on traditional dishes.

Alison provides a detailed guide on how to choose and prepare a brisket, emphasizing the importance of a good meat-to-fat ratio and the tip point cut. She shares her seasoning method, using a teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of meat, and suggests seasoning and refrigerating the meat in advance for enhanced flavor. The host then demonstrates how to sear the brisket in a Dutch oven, cautioning about the importance of using the right tools to avoid burns. She also discusses the Maillard reaction's contribution to flavor and the technique of rendering fat at lower temperatures. Ingredients for the braising liquid are introduced, including shallots, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Better Than Bouillon for a flavorful base.

Alison presents her recipe for a cold rice pudding that can be prepared in advance, perfect for a Passover dessert. She advises against using milk with thickeners, such as some oat milks, to avoid an undesired texture. The process involves toasting jasmine rice before adding milk, water, and a cinnamon stick for a roasty-toasty flavor. Alison also discusses the importance of stirring the rice pudding as it cooks to encourage starch release and thicken the liquid. The dessert is finished with sugar, a pinch of salt, and optional vanilla, and it's emphasized to chill the pudding properly before serving.

The video moves on to preparing a potato dish, where Alison slices Yukon Gold potatoes and layers them in a cake pan with onions, seasoning, and chicken fat. She emphasizes the importance of evenness in slicing for uniform cooking and the aesthetic appeal of concentric circles. Alison also discusses the process of pressing the potatoes to ensure a compact and even bake, and she shares a trick for a crispy top: covering the pan with foil during the initial bake and then removing it for further browning.

Alison shares her method for cooking carrots with dill, emphasizing the use of fresh ingredients and the importance of adjusting cooking times for different carrot sizes. She also prepares a celery and apple salad with a tangy lemon dressing, discussing the balance between celery and apple and the addition of onion, parsley, and lemon zest. The salad is a fresh and zesty counterpart to the hearty brisket and rich rice pudding.

The final paragraph sees Alison putting the finishing touches on the meal, including reheating the brisket and skimming excess fat. She also discusses the importance of tradition in Passover meals and how this particular menu has become a staple for her. Alison invites the Home Movies team to join her for the meal, highlighting the communal and celebratory aspect of the holiday. The video concludes with a toast to the joy of hosting and celebrating with others, and a nod to the Passover song 'Dayenu,' which encapsulates the spirit of gratitude and festivity.