Ask Jamie Geller – What Do I Cook for Rosh Hashanah?

Jamie,

With Rosh Hashanah so early this year, I’m having a hard time figuring out what to cook. My regular chicken recipes seem too heavy for warm weather. Do you have any light recipes for fish or chicken that would impress guests but that wouldn’t be too, too complex? (I’d love a complete menu!) I have young children and don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

- Deborah

Deborah,

If it’s not clear by now that I don’t do anything complex, then I haven’t been communicating. Believe me, I know how hard it is to cook with young kids around. You are not alone! My go-to Rosh Hashanah meal is usually based on simanim. For ease of prep and taste appeal, I don’t shy away from Classic Gefilte Fish and I serve it with Sweet Carrot Salad on the side. But if you want to raise the bar without raising your stress level, try my Spiced Gefilte Fish – it’s so attractive, I put it on the cover of my book Quick & Kosher Recipes from the Bride Who Knew Nothing.

An even easier, festive version is Pink Rimmed Gefilte Fish followed by Un-stuffed Cabbage Soup. It’s so sweet (for a sweet, new year!) and so good and so easy! My guests expect this dish every Rosh Hashanah and I would never disappoint them.

The main is Brisket in Wine Sauce (you can throw in a few handfuls of baby carrots for color), Honey Chicken, with Spinach Mushroom Salad, and Potato Kugel Cups as sides. (If you’re in a rush and don’t feel like filling individual cups, you can always make the kugel in a 9-inch round or square pan.)

Another recipe that is just as easy, but impressive: Cocktail Meatballs over Rice Pilaf. I love Near East products because they have no msg, are so easy to make and are seasoned to perfection. I serve this on the second night of Yom Yov instead of starting with fish and soup. And for other side ideas, you can go with Carrot Muffins (you can leave out the shredded carrots, if you prefer – no other substitutions needed) or Broccoli and Mushroom Pie. (I have taken to replacing the non-dairy creamer in that recipe with plain unsweetened soy milk).

Each recipe takes less than 15 minutes to prepare prior to cooking time. (Of course, while these dishes cook, you can do something else!) Let me know which ones you’ve tried, and how they worked out for you. Happy Sweet New Year!

If anyone else has other recipes ideas for Deborah, please leave a comment.