Planning a week of meatless meals during the Nine Days can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. At Kosher.com, our team leaned into the challenge, using the opportunity to get creative, try something new, or revisit comforting classics. From fish and legumes to pastas, quiches, and fresh veggies, we’re sharing what’s really on our tables this week.

Each team member brought their own personal approach—whether it's navigating picky eaters, finding joy in plant-based meals, or pulling together a menu while prepping for Shabbos and the pre-fast. There’s something here for everyone, no matter your schedule or your style. Scroll through for our full menus, links to the recipes we’re using, and some behind-the-scenes notes from our kitchens.

Sunday - Leah Gottheim (Kosherdotcom VP):

It will be interesting for me to menu plan for the Nine Days this year. I've always liked dairy better than meat anyway, but for the last few months, I've been eating according to Rivka Golombeck's diet recommendations: whole grains, lots of legumes, and lots of veggies. I also avoid added sugar, oil, or salt—meaning very few processed foods (it's crazy how many processed foods are full of sugar, oil, and salt!). I rarely eat animal proteins, usually only on Shabbos.

Sounds intense? Maybe—but it's been working for me. I don't restrict calories, so I eat as much as I want, and it's much more filling than eating the same amount of processed food. My family still eats meat and chicken for dinners, so I do still have to change my menu plan for the week!

My kids like lasagna, but not with vegetables in it—even if the vegetables are ones they like otherwise, like broccoli. I decided to see if I can sneak the veggies in and see if they notice. I found this recipe (see below) where the veggies are blended into a sauce, and I'm going to experiment and see what happens:

For myself, I'm thinking of making the lentil-vegetable soup below. I'll probably make some Heaven and Earth Brown Rice to go with it as a side, since it only takes a few minutes in the microwave and no pots to wash.

Click here to see Leah’s full menu!

Monday - Rachel Kor (Kosherdotcom Managing Lifestyle Editor):

Since this meal falls early in the week, I plan on serving fish—because we’re not tired of it yet! I’ll set out toppings and Israeli salad so the kids can build their own plates and choose what they like. As a backup for any little ones feeling extra picky, I’ll make mini pizzas using store-bought dough.

For something sweet, filling, and healthy, I usually finish the meal with a smoothie or fresh fruit ice cream. The ice cream version is made with all frozen fruit so it’s scoopable—I serve it in bowls with sprinkles. For smoothies, I use a mix of fresh and frozen fruit and add a bit more milk for a thinner consistency. Either way, I take the opportunity to sneak in some spinach and a dairy component like milk or Greek yogurt.

I also love adding pesto into meals whenever I can—it’s the perfect way to blend in extra spinach with the basil. Thankfully, my kids are big pesto fans!

Click here to see Rachel’s full menu!

Tuesday - Nechami Goldman (Kosherdotcom Video Producer):

Why are we all so overwhelmed by our 9 Days menu? Most of us do dairy or parve once or twice a week without even thinking about it. But suddenly, when it’s “official,” we panic.

That said, I was born during the 9 Days, so my birthday dinner always lands in this quiet, pared-down space. Keeping to the mood of this time, it’s the kind of dinner I’d serve any other night of the year, but with a mocktail to mark the occasion. 

The most effort required here is probably the salad - and even that’s just some chopping. Everything else is the kind of easy and delicious that makes you wonder why you don’t make it more often!

Click here to see Nechami’s full menu!

Wednesday - Renee Schwartz (Kosherdotcom Recipe Editor):

Today I'm making this chili and adding it to soft tortillas, because my kids have recently gotten into wraps in a big way! I'll add a simple salad alongside like a fresh tomato salad or a chopped Israeli salad, and roasted sweet potatoes.

I don't usually serve dessert during the week. My kids get enough candy from their various activities.

Click here to see Renee’s full menu!

Thursday - Yakira Guttenberg (Social Media Manager):

This cozy 9 Days menu is all about comfort food the whole family will love, with rich flavors and simple prep. From garlicky bread to creamy pasta and cinnamon rolls for dessert, it’s a dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Click here to see Yakira’s full menu!

Friday - Goldy Guttman (Kosherdotcom Director):

This year, Friday comes at the tail end of the nine days, and I’ll likely be busy cooking for shabbos and for the pre fast meal, so i don’t think I’ll want to spend too much time preparing a toamehu- what we call a pre shabbos meal! Alas, the family’s gotta eat. (Every day, multiple times, allegedly.) I’ll be making a pareve cholent for Friday, and then I’ll add the meat to the cholent closer to Shabbos. A kugel is a classic staple for a reason, and any version of a veggie kugel is a great option to offer as well. (Save some for shalash seudos!) To round things out, a hummus platter tends to go over really well in my house, and this, too, can be savored on Friday and then again on Shabbos. Double dipping for the win!

Click here to see Goldy’s full menu!

Shabbat - Chanie Nayman (Kosherdotcom Editor-in-Chief):

Here's my wishlist for the shalosh seudos meal before Tisha B'av starts. It's a hard meal to plan for, because I always want to make sure we have enough to fill up on that will keep us feeling strong throughout Tisha Bav. 

Cheesy Vegetable Quiche - (max on protein and vegetables, and easy to make in advance)

Quinoa Kale Salad - This one's for me. I love a kale quinoa salad, and this can stay in the fridge for a day or so. If you're worried about the kale wilting, keep it separate.

Crispy Onion Guacamole Salmon - This has been the favorite in my house for a few months now. My kids all like it thanks to the crispy onions and sushi sauces, and guac is great for healthy fats before fasting.

Cheese Noodle Kugel - Okay, I'll admit it. This is more of a treat for my kids, but it is full of protein! I actually like making this because it's good the next day too, and often I'll serve it for a post-fast meal. I swap out the farmer cheese for cottage cheese for almost double the protein.

Vegetable Lo-Mein - I use brown rice or protein noodles, so it's more of a complex carb.

The items that go without saying are some kind of electrolyte drink, watermelon, and grapes. My recent favorite pre-fast snack that I've been making for a few years is dates stuffed with nut butter and chopped nuts (and a sprinkle of salt!) I like to have a few throughout the day, I have no idea what the winning trick is to help me feel strong on a fast day, but I think those dates help. I'm also a big believer in taking the slow release caffeine, and electrolyte pills from the Toronto Kollel. It's really made a big impact on my fasting in the past few years. 

May we have the ability to tap into the meaning of Tisha Bav, and inculcate the change that it has the power to create. And may we see the geula this year!

Click here to see Chanie’s full menu!