This Friday, September 18, 2020 is the start of Rosh Hashanah. This Jewish holiday commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance. This period culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement. These two holidays are the two “High Holy Days” in the Jewish religion.
To wish someone a happy Rosh Hashanah you can say: “Shanah tovah” which means “good year” in Hebrew.
We have received many requests from our Dinner Club Members for ideas to make a vegan Rosh Hashanah Dinner and we are here to help. While a traditional Rosh Hashanah dinner consists of dishes such as Matzah Ball Soup, Challah, Apples and Honey, Brisket, Tzimmes, Chopped Liver and Honey Cake, you can easily modify these dishes to create new vegan traditions in your household. Did you know that the Torah prohibition “Tza’ar ba’alei chayim”–which translates to the “suffering of living creatures”– bans causing animals unnecessary suffering? It is a powerful way to celebrate a new year by preparing a vegan meal that honors both human and animal lives.
Here are some delicious dishes to make a Vegan Rosh Hashanah Dinner:
Vegan Matzo Ball Soup. This recipe from Zardy Plants looks warm, comforting and tasty. You can even make it gluten-free.
Apples and Date Syrup. Instead of serving the traditional apples and honey, use date syrup. The sweet taste of honey symbolizes the sweet start of the new year. Dates are a tasty sweet fruit that is packed with nutrition and fiber. We recommend using the D’Vash brand of Date Syrup from Thrive Market.
Sweet Potato Tzimmes. This festive dish is the perfect festive side dish to serve with your Rosh Hashanah dinner. The word “tzimmes” actually means a commotion in Yiddish. Luckily, this dish is actually very simple to make! Check out this wonderful version of tzimmes by The Vegan Atlas.
Couscous with Seven Vegetables. Seven is a lucky number in Judaism and there is a tradition of eating a dish with seven vegetables on Rosh Hashanah. This recipe from My Jewish Learning features a delicious and colorful fall produce like squash and root vegetables. Instead of using oil to cook the vegetables in this recipe, simply use water or vegetable stock.
Potato Kugel. Kugels are a staple food on the table during many Jewish holidays. They are baked casserole dishes that feature potatoes or noodles. Kugels can either be sweet or savory. Traditionally, kugels are held together by using eggs. Thankfully, there is no need to use eggs in this vegan version from The Vegan Atlas.
Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant with Lemon Tahini Dressing. This is an eye-catching entrée to serve to your guests. The lemon-tahini dressing and Za’atar seasoning give this dish it’s unique flavor. We demonstrated how to make this delicious dish with Chef AJ on YouTube and you can watch the replay here. Email us at [email protected] if you would like the free recipes for these two dishes!
Mushroom Bourguignon with Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes. We made this satisfying and hearty French-inspired entree with Chef AJ on YouTube. You can watch the replay here. Email us at [email protected] if you would like the free recipe!
French Apple Lemon Tart. We made this beautiful dessert with Chef AJ on YouTube and you can watch the replay here. Email us at [email protected] if you would like the free recipe!
Chocolate Pots de Creme. This creamy and decadent dessert will be the perfect grand finale dessert to serve at your Rosh Hashanah Dinner. Try to see if anyone at your table can guess the mystery ingredient inside the mousse. Watch the recipe video on our Vegan News Daily YouTube Channel. Email us at [email protected] if you would like the free recipe!
Remember, any dish can be vegan-ized and this is the chance to let your compassion and creativity shine. Enjoy your delicious Rosh Hashanah dinner and have fun cooking in the kitchen! Shana Tovah!
