A Vegetarian Rosh Hashana Menu

Usher in a sweet New Year with these delicious meatless dishes

Written by
Miri Rotkovitz
Registered dietician, teacher, and award-winning cookbook author who has been exploring Jewish cuisine for almost 20 years.
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Miri Rotkovitz
Updated 07/27/20

Most Rosh Hashana menus are built around meat and poultry entrées, often with fish and a chicken-based soup to start. However, you don't need meat to enjoy a beautiful, festive meal. This vegetarian menu showcases several foods that hold special meaning on Rosh Hashana. Most of the recipes are also vegan and all of them are pareve (dairy free), delicious, and relatively simple.

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  • 01 of 11

    Honey Wheat Raisin Challah

    Honey wheat raisin challah on parchment in a pan

    The Spruce / Miri Rotkovitz

    A round raisin challah is a mainstay of many Rosh Hashana meals. This homemade honey wheat raisin challah is studded with sweet golden raisins and enriched with white whole-wheat flour, vanilla, and a touch of cardamom. If you need a vegan alternative for the bread, try a maple-glazed vegan water challah.

  • 02 of 11

    No-Chicken Matzo Ball Soup

    No-chicken matzo ball soup in a bowl

    Mizina / Getty Images

    Matzo ball soup is a traditional dish at almost every Jewish celebration, and this vegetarian version allows those on a meatless diet to enjoy it as well. A homemade vegetable broth is the base for this delicious soup; don't skip the mushrooms even if you're not a fan as they offer wonderful umami (taste sensation).

  • 03 of 11

    Roasted Carrot, Apple, and Celery Soup

    Carrot soup

     

    Tovfla/Getty Images

    Savor the produce of the season in this roasted carrot, apple, and celery soup. It is vibrant, brilliantly flavored, and makes an elegant starter to a festive meal. Roasting the fruit and vegetables deepens their flavor and helps to make a rich and creamy soup.

  • 04 of 11

    Vegetarian Chopped Liver

    Vegetarian chopped liver appetizers on a yellow cloth

    Tastyart Ltd. Rob White / Getty Images

    Jewish-style chopped liver is favored by many as a holiday appetizer, but it does call for an acquired taste. This vegetarian "mock" version is a flavorful meatless alternative and will please naysayers as well as fans of the real thing. Green beans, peas, and walnuts are blended along with caramelized onions and hard-boiled eggs to create a similar textured spread. Serve with rye bread or crackers.

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  • 05 of 11

    Classic Israeli Salad

    Classic Israeli salad with chopped bell pepper, cucumber, scallion, and tomatoes

    The Spruce

    Finely chopped vegetables are the stars of the iconic Israeli salad. It is beautiful in its simplicity, and the red and green veggies are gorgeous in a bowl. This recipe combines bell pepper, cucumbers, scallions, and tomatoes, tossed with a light lemon and olive oil dressing. Season it with salt and pepper or add flavor with homemade za'atar to give it a bit more zest.

  • 06 of 11

    Vegetable and Chickpea Tagine With Couscous

    Vegetable tagine topped with couscous

    The Spruce / Miri Rotkovitz

    Colorful and satisfying, this vegetable and chickpea tagine with couscous is easy to prepare and looks impressive. It's filled with an impressive array of spices, like cinnamon, cumin, and ginger, or you can make it even simpler by using a prepared or homemade Moroccan spice blend. Either way, it's ready for the table within an hour.

  • 07 of 11

    Apple and Fennel Challah Stuffing

    Baked apple and fennel challah stuffing in a white baking dish

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    Apples, sage, and fennel work together beautifully in this challah stuffing, a recipe that can be enjoyed as part of a vegetarian menu or alongside a roasted chicken. The vegetables and apples are sautéed.

  • 08 of 11

    Vegetarian Bean Cholent

    Vegetarian bean cholent with parsley garnish plus a loaf of bread
    Bercanstock / Twenty20

    Cholent is a slow-cooked bean and barley stew that often contains meat. This version highlights three types of beans and combines them with barley, potatoes, canned tomatoes, and seasonings. The result is a hearty bowl that is sure to satisfy both vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

    Continue to 9 of 11 below.
  • 09 of 11

    Baked Butternut Squash Latkes With Caramelized Fennel Jam

    Sweet Potato Latkes

     Getty Images/modesigns58

    Potato pancakes, called latkes, are ubiquitous at Hanukkah, but that doesn't mean the fried delicacy can't be enjoyed at other holiday meals. This version subs in butternut squash for the potato and calls for baking instead of pan-frying. The results are still crispy and perfect with a spoonful of the caramelized fennel jam on top.

  • 10 of 11

    Roasted Broccoli With Ginger

    Roasted Broccoli

     Getty Images/bhofack2

    Broccoli is always a crowd pleaser, and this roasted broccoli with ginger is absolutely irresistible. Requiring just five ingredients and less than 30 minutes, the dish will help you pull off a holiday dinner that's sure to satisfy everyone. Just don't expect to have leftovers.

  • 11 of 11

    Whole-Grain Jewish Apple Cake

    Jewish apple cake sliced for serving

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    This recipe offers a healthier spin on a traditional Jewish apple cake. It features white whole-wheat flour and has less fat and sugar than the original recipe. While it may be "lighter," the cake sacrifices nothing. It retains a dense crumb and amazing flavor, and your guests may not even notice the difference.