Article: Correct Bracha on Mixture of Foods
When two or more types of solid foods are mixed, the halacha is to make the Bracha only on the ikar, the food of primary importance, and that Bracha also covers the tofel, the secondary food.
For example, one does not make a Bracha on spices, since they serve a secondary purpose, as they are used to enhance the flavor of the food.
When two or more foods are combined and it is difficult to ascertain which is the primary ingredient, we make the Bracha on the roiv, on the food that is in the majority.
However, the Alter Rebbe writes, when discussing an example where solids and liquids are mixed, yet each one is still distinguishable from the other, that the halacha to follow the majority does not apply; it applies only if the solids and liquids were cooked together and form one indivisible entity. Although this is not clearly stated, we may infer that if we have two or more solids and one of them is the majority ingredient, even if they are not cooked together, we follow the majority rule and make the Bracha on the item which is in the majority.
For example, one should make a Bracha on the fruit that constitutes the majority in a fruit salad. {See here on how the majority should be measured}
In summary:
We always make a Bracha on the primary ingredient.
- When both are primary:
if it is a mixture of solids and liquids
─if cooked together, we make a Bracha on the majority;
─if not cooked together, we make Brachos on both.
Regarding a mixture of solids, we always make a Bracha on the majority ingredient whether cooked together (according to all opinions) or even if not cooked together (inference from the Alter Rebbe).
There is an exception to this rule: With regard to the chameishes minei dogon, the five types of grain for which Eretz Yisroel is known, wheat, barley, rye, oats, and spelt, they are always considered the ikar, even when they do not comprise the majority of the food, as long as the grain is utilized for its taste.
However, if its purpose is limited to coloring or to help the other ingredients adhere to each other, then the Bracha would be that of the primary ingredient in the food.
When it comes to various cereals, it is always important to look at the ingredients. If there is grain in the cereal, and the grain is there for its taste, not just for coloring or as an adhesive, it becomes the primary ingredient and the Bracha would be mezonos and not shehakol.
Re Schnitzel:
From Halacha2Go Archives
#110-#111
