5 Simple Kosher Dinner Recipes for Easy Weeknight Meals

Preparing dinner on a weeknight can be a challenging task, especially if you're keeping kosher and looking for something both delicious and compliant with dietary laws. But fear not! Here are five simple kosher dinner recipes that will make your weeknight meals enjoyable without compromising on taste or tradition.

1. Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

A classic, this dish combines tender chicken with the freshness of lemon and a robust garlic flavor, all served with an array of roasted vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, skin on
• 2 lemons
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and marinate for 10 minutes.
3. Place the chicken in a roasting pan, surrounding it with the vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and the remaining lemon juice.
4. Roast for 40-50 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

💡 Note: Ensure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.

2. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Light yet fulfilling, this quinoa salad is packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, corn, avocado, and onion.
3. Dress the salad with lime juice, salt, and pepper, then mix in cilantro for a burst of flavor.
4. Serve immediately or chill for an hour to let flavors meld.

3. Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry

This quick stir-fry combines tender beef with crisp broccoli in a rich, savory sauce, making it a go-to for a speedy kosher dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (kosher)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, marinate the sliced beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper for about 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add the beef and stir-fry until browned, then remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, cook the broccoli until it’s bright green and just tender. Return the beef to the pan, mix well, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Serve over kosher rice or noodles.

4. Fish in Parchment with Herbs

Experience the delight of baking fish in parchment, which steams in its own juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (cod or tilapia)
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 4 sprigs of dill
• 4 sprigs of thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut four large squares of parchment paper. Place a fish fillet in the center of each sheet.
3. Top each fillet with lemon slices, dill, thyme, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Fold the parchment paper to seal the fish inside, creating a packet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

5. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Bowl

A hearty and nutritious dish, this bowl can be whipped up in no time, offering a beautiful array of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes and chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway, until sweet potatoes are tender and chickpeas are crispy.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

🔍 Note: Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, making this dish a filling and healthy choice.

As we wrap up our exploration of these simple kosher dinner recipes, remember that each dish can be easily adapted to suit your tastes or to make the most of what you have in your pantry. Whether it's a zest-filled chicken dish, a refreshing quinoa salad, or a comforting bowl of roasted veggies, these meals are designed to make your weeknight dinners both effortless and enjoyable, all while honoring the dietary laws of kosher cooking. These recipes are not just about convenience; they're about bringing taste and tradition to your dining table in equal measure.