My Rosh Hashana Menu Plan (2021)

I am so behind.

These “early” holidays really throw me off! Between moving houses just a few weeks ago, and getting my oldest off to mechina for the year (a pre-army preparatory program), to school starting today for my other kiddos, I am just not in the Rosh Hashana mindset.

Tell me I’m not the only one struggling to get it together this year?!

That said, I finally forced myself to sit down and make a plan (with thanks to those of you who emailed asking where my menu was — you gave me the kick in the tush I needed!), which I’m happy to share with any of you who may need a similar nudge.

First Night of Rosh Hashana 

As has become our family tradition, we eat fish Erev Rosh Hashana — not meat — as our main dish. (I know it doesn’t work for everyone, but it works for us!) I love how everything on the menu for this night is a siman. And when the chagim fall in the middle of the week, I find that it’s nice to have some lighter meals.

Do you have my simanim card? Download it HERE. 

Apple Stuffed Challah with Date Butter
Round Braided Challah (I used Busy in Brooklyn’s crumb topping last year — it was super delicious!)
Pomegranate Spritzers (pomegranate juice + bubbly Moscato wine, float pomegranate seeds on top)
Apples & Honey
Carrot Dill Soup – since we’re eating pareve, I may make it dairy, but usually sub-in coconut or almond milk
Honey-Mustard Salmon
Dairy-Free Leek Quiche
Butter Squash Kugel 
Colorful Beet Salad with Quinoa, Edamame & Carrots (we’re using edamame in place of black-eyed peas)
Honey Cookies, melon
Fish gummies (we bite off just the heads as our “fish heads”…. and then the kids eat the rest 😉 )

First Day of Rosh Hashana

Apple Stuffed Challah
Round Braided Challah
Sweet & Sour Meatballs (the uber-simple recipe is in my Stress-Free Passover Book)
Rice pilaf with almonds and dried fruit
Broccoli (probably roasted, maybe steamed)
Green salad with pomegranate vinaigrette
Apple crisp with easy pareve homemade ice cream

Second Day of Rosh Hashana, Dinner: Soup & Salad 

Another emerging family tradition is to go much lighter for dinner on the second night – just soup & salad… and a lot of challah, so maybe not so “light” actually!

Apple Stuffed Challah with date butter
New Fruit
Chicken soup with matzah balls and lots of veggies
Green salad with roasted vegetables, cherry tomatoes, crispy chickpeas and Balsamic vinaigrette
Pumpkin muffins with streusel topping (I use this recipe, but make it in muffin tins – adjust bake time down a bit)

Second Day of Rosh Hashana, Lunch

Apple Stuffed Challah
Round Braided Challah with Sweet Crumb Topping
Grilled Pargiot
Roasted tri-colored carrots
Wild Rice pilaf
Leftover desserts
Fresh fruit salad

I would love to hear what’s on your Rosh Hashana menu plan! Please share below in the comments.

And don’t forget to download my Rosh Hashana Simanim Guide!

Shana Tova!