The rice/bean issue for Passover depends on the ethnic background of the family (which is determined by the background of the man in the family).

In families where the husband/father is of Eastern European origin, rice and legumes are not eaten during Passover.
If the husband/father is of Middle Eastern origin the family does eat rice and legumes.

Growing up, we did not eat rice/legumes in my home, as my dad (and mom) came from Eastern Europe. After I married my husband, whose family is from the Middle East, I started eating these foods on this holiday.

At first it was really strange.....I felt I was doing something "wrong" - habits are hard to break.

Today, doing the food program, I am grateful for the ability to get through the holiday "solid and steady" with my browns intact. It is a lot trickier for those who cannot have rice/legumes, but still doable - I guess a lot of whole wheat matza, and potatoes and yams.

Chloe, I want to thank you for reminding me of beans. I swear, sometimes I don't see what's right in front of my face. You see, I was thinking how I would divide my holiday meals into "whole wheat matza meals" and "brown rice meals" and "potato/yam meals".
I totally forgot about beans!

Truth is, I mostly eat grains, not beans, because of a sensitive stomach. But just yesterday, I really felt like beans, so soaked some black-eyed beans for many hours and just finished cooking them up in water/oil/spices then added swiss chard toward the end. In another pot was stir-fried chicken & onions with spices. I put the two together in a bowl and came to my computer to chomp on this lovely supper and visit the forum.

Here I am devouring a hearty bowl of beans, and it takes a post from you to remind me I can have beans as brown during Passover! I do that sometimes.....a solution is staring me in the face (not only food-wise) and I don't see it, lol.

Handmadenz, I hope you manage with your Passover browns. Don't forget, you can make Matza Brei with whole wheat matza, and if you can find whole wheat matza meal, you can make matza meal rolls in the oven. I even read on the internet that you can make matza balls from whole wheat matza meal, and that they come out just fine.
Good luck experimenting!

Happy Passover & Easter to all
Sarit

: Can you do beans? Black beans,
: refried beans, garbonzo beans,
: great northern beans, pinto beans.
: Can you tell I like beans?!! Chloe

: Passover starts in a few days and I'm