Illustration by Lea Kron

I’m hosting a Purim seudah for approximately 30 friends and relatives plus a bunch of bochurim. I like to serve a variety of foods, including some finger foods and some regular foods. I’d like to stick to old-time favorites, but with a twist. I find that the boys enjoy the classic meat and potatoes, but I’m looking for ways to upgrade the old basics and make them a little nicer.

Thank you for reaching out. I’m so excited to plan a Purim seudah with you.

These suggestions are a real-life menu that depict the way I serve my Purim seudah. We always do a sit-down meal. If you prefer, these can be served buffet style as well.

I love to decorate my table in a festive way. You can even set a small mask near each glass or on each napkin to add to the festivities.

Herbed focaccia buns are great to use for hamotzi. You can either set them out in a bowl or basket in the center of the table or place one at each setting.

This shredded corned beef salad is a great appetizer, as it’s showstopping with minimal effort on your part. I love that the salad is nestled on a bed of angel hair pasta and that all components can be prepared in advance.

Next course is a bourbon sweet potato soup. (Don’t forget to buy or make kreplach, if that’s your minhag.)

For the main, this barbecue brisket is the way to go. You can even make it in advance and freeze until you’re ready to reheat. (I find that many briskets or braised meats are better the second time around.)

To round out your plate, I’ve chosen three side dishes; a caramel apple crisp, which can be made as one large pie or in ramekins and just baked for 30 minutes as opposed to the full hour; honey-mustard red bliss potatoes or potato pinwheels; and restaurant-style broccoli.

For sweet endings, my coffee toffee chocolate pie is it. You can’t get better than that.

Hope this was helpful. Best of luck with all your preparations.

Wishing you a happy Purim,

Rivky

Purim Seudah Menu

Herbed Focaccia Buns

Shredded Corned Beef Salad

Bourbon Sweet Potato Soup with Kreplach

Barbecue Brisket

Caramel Apple Crisp

Honey-Mustard Red Bliss Potatoes or Potato Pinwheels

Restaurant-Style Broccoli

Coffee Toffee Chocolate Pie

Shredded Corned Beef Salad

This delicious salad is simple to prepare and very flavorful.

SERVES 10

• 1 bag shredded romaine lettuce
• 8 oz (225 g) angel hair pasta, prepared according to pkg directions
• ½ lb (225 g) shredded corned beef
• 1 cup Terra Stix

Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup vinegar
• 1 Tbsp mustard
• 1 clove garlic, crushed

Combine dressing ingredients in a bowl or container. Mix well.

Immediately before serving, assemble salad in a large serving bowl or on individual serving plates. Arrange romaine lettuce first. Place a mound of angel hair pasta on top. Drizzle with a little dressing.

Sprinkle with shredded corned beef and drizzle with dressing again. Top with Terra Stix.