As Yom Kippur approaches, it’s important to plan a meal that will sustain and nourish you through the upcoming fast. The pre-fast meal is a significant part of the preparation, providing the necessary energy and comfort needed for the fast ahead.

Whether you’re looking for traditional dishes or contemporary creations, we’ve gathered the best Yom Kippur main dish recipe ideas to help you create a satisfying meal.

From hearty stews to tender roasts, these recipes are designed to provide the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Join us as we explore these delicious main dishes that will bring warmth and togetherness to your pre-fast Yom Kippur table.

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1. Garlicky Pot Roast by Laura Frankel

Searching for the perfect meat recipe for a special meal? Look no further! Simply marinate, brown, and set the crock pot! The meat comes out buttery soft and delicious, with a sauce that is bursting with flavor. This recipe is sure to become a favorite!

2. Chicken Goulash from the Nitra Cookbook

An easy one-pot chicken and potatoes stovetop meal.

3. Minute Steaks and Red Potatoes by Julie Hauser

This steak and potatoes revamp can be used as a main dish for a small crowd or even as an appetizer over lettuce salad (without the potatoes), with a little of the sauce.

4. Sweet-Onion Veal Pocket by Michal Frischman

The first time I tested this, my butcher sent me a veal breast roast without the pocket cut out, so I put the onion filling on top instead of inside. It insulated that top part of the roast, which can sometimes dry out a little, and was a really nice variation on the stuffed pocket. Of course, if you’re all about the presentation, then a stuffed pocket is the way to go.

5. Lemony Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner by Molly Hagler

There is nothing better than a sheet pan dinner. This is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It comes together quickly and comes out delicious!

6. Saucy Chicken Chunks by Brynie Greisman

This is for the discerning palate only. Don’t be put off by the coconut cream, because the end result doesn’t taste coconut-y. The cream just adds an incredible, velvety texture and an awesome hint of sweetness that you m-m-m your way through. None of my tasters figured out what was in it; they just had doubles!

7. Glazed Corned Beef by Brynie Greisman

It was snowing in Jerusalem when I decided that it was a perfect time to get into the kitchen (not sure when I’m actually out of the kitchen!!) and do my experimenting. What better way to warm up the house? So I made bread and soup and more soup, and then I was fiddling with different ingredients to create this glaze. I was so excited that I ran (in the snow!) to my connoisseur friend, Rochel, and told her to give me her opinion. When she said just one word: “Heaven,” I knew this recipe was in. Sweet, tangy, and unique.

8. Slow-Cooker Marsala Nuggets by Chani Stern

This melt-in-your-mouth chicken gets so soft and succulent that the cutlets break apart into “nuggets” once they’re cooked. Best of all, it’s beyond easy to prepare. Simply throw all the ingredients into your Crock-Pot and let it cook all day. You’ll come home to a gourmet dinner, piping hot and ready to eat.

9. Juicy and Flavorful Turkey Breast by Brynie Greisman

I wanted an original flavor profile, different from the typical garlic/mustard one associated with a turkey roast. I had just made my own plum jam (sweetened just with natural apple juice concentrate) after finding the most succulent plums in the shuk, and wanted to incorporate it into this recipe. I love the way the veggies crown each slice of turkey, and the jam, wine, and lemon complement the veggies to perfection. Marinating it overnight results in the juiciest, softest turkey ever.

10. Rice and Lentil “Meat” Loaf by Sina Mizrahi

This “meat”loaf is so hearty and flavorful, you’ll forget there’s no meat in it. It’s also a perfect way to repurpose leftover rice and lentils that you have on hand. The recipe is simple, yet is packed with many nutrients you’ll feel good about serving your family.

11. Sweet and Sour Chicken by Rivky Kleiman

This is my go-to recipe when I want to make a chicken that is easy, flavorful, and consistently good. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and sour and always results in a moist, delicious dish.

12. One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi (Dairy Free) by Rena Tuchinsky

Based off a popular recipe originally called “Marry Me Chicken,” this all-in-one-pot meal may not solve the shidduch crisis, but it will make your family very happy!

13. Saucy Chestnut-Plum Chicken by Brynie Greisman

Soft, flavorful, and original. Can be used for an everyday supper, yet presentable enough for a special occasion.

14. Short Rib Gnocchi by Yussi Weisz

Yussi is back with an amazing recipe for Short Rib Gnocchi. This dish is restaurant-worthy comfort food at its finest and takes minutes to prep.

15. Just-Right Sweet and Saucy Brisket by Brynie Greisman

A symphony of flavors that blends together to give you a sumptuous, elegant roast like you’ve never tasted before.

16. Shoulder of Veal with Braised Apples and Rutabaga Mash by Adina Schlass

Pulled veal with vegetable mash is one of my favorite combinations. Soft and creamy, it’s the perfect comfort food for night holiday meals. Sprinkle with some chopped parsley to add that beautiful freshness.

17. Fruit-Infused Chuck Roast by Brynie Greisman

The meat is cooked in a slow cooker, which makes it really soft and succulent. The fruity wine sauce is both sweet and savory. As my family and guests quipped, “This is restaurant worthy!”

18. Saucy Sweet Pastrami Roast by Chanie Nayman

I find pastrami roast to be a lot of fun, it’s a little bit different from the regular cuts I grew up with and it’s so flavorful (I often put one on top of my cholent. It’s unreal!) I bought this in Gourmet Glatt and they have stickers they put on meats educating you as to how best to make them. The sticker on their pastrami roast reads to add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. I took their advice but added a bunch more ingredients to bring it up yet another notch.

19. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff by Esty Wolbe

This unfussy, filling meal can be prepped in the morning and will be waiting for you to enjoy when you walk in the door. Enjoy mouthwatering Beef Stroganoff from the crockpot, a family favorite that never goes out of style.

20. Cherry “BBQ” Short Ribs by Agi Schwartz

When you hear “cherry pie filling,” most people think of a hot crusty pie or a delicious topping on a cheesecake. When Kosher.com reached out to me, asking me to create a unique recipe with any of the Gefen pie fillings, my mind went directly to how the sweetness of cherry pie filling pairs so well with the flavor of smoked paprika to create a BBQ style sauce for any meat! The addition of the mustard will help cut the sweetness with its acidity.

21. Succulent Slow Cooker Chicken by Brynie Greisman

The first time I tested this recipe in the crockpot, a heavenly smell permeated the house all night. One of my guests wanted to know if I was serving chicken for breakfast, on a Tuesday morning, because he was willing to forgo his coffee!! It’s that good.

22. Easy Goulash by Brynie Greisman

In this recipe, beef cubes are seared and then slowly cooked together with veggies and a fabulous seasoning to provide a satisfying meal-in-one that everyone will enjoy.

23. Stew Italiano by Norene Gilletz

Don’t let the long list of ingredients scare you. This scrumptious stew is quite simple to assemble—you can even do it the night before and refrigerate it, then put it up to cook in the morning. It’s lick-the-spoon good!

24. One-Pan Chicken, Mushrooms, and Gnocchi by Esty Wolbe

This is the easiest one-pan chicken dinner, baked with gnocchi in one dish and bursting with umami flavor and herbs.