One Pot, Many Blessings: A Rosh Hashanah Simanim Casserole

One of the most beloved parts of the Rosh Hashanah meal is the simanim—the symbolic foods we eat while praying for a year filled with blessing, success, and salvation. But let's be honest: preparing every siman separately can turn into quite a project. Between the leeks, beets, beans, pumpkin, and everything else, the prep work adds up quickly.

So why not bring several of the traditional simanim together in one beautiful dish?

This colorful vegetable casserole combines many of the holiday's symbolic foods into a single pot. It's simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and makes a stunning addition to the holiday table. Best of all, it allows you to enjoy the meaningful customs of Rosh Hashanah without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 leeks, sliced into rings (white parts only)

• 2 medium beets, peeled and cut into cubes

• A handful of beet greens or chard, roughly chopped

• 1 pound (500 g) green beans, fresh or frozen

• 1 small pumpkin, cut into large cubes, or 1/2 butternut squash

• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped

• 2–3 tablespoons honey

• 1/2 cup dry red wine

• Water, enough to reach halfway up the vegetables

• 1/2 tablespoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey and cook for another minute.

Arrange the vegetables in the pot, placing each type in its own section rather than mixing them together. Add the beet cubes, pumpkin, green beans, and beet greens.

Pour in enough water to reach about halfway up the vegetables. Add the cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, red wine, and the remaining honey.

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 40 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure there is enough liquid and that nothing is sticking to the bottom.

The goal is not a soup, but a rich vegetable casserole, so only a small amount of liquid is needed.

For extra color and flavor, transfer the pot to a 350°F (180°C) oven for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.

Tips and Variations

• Prefer silan? It can easily replace the honey.

• Not a fan of wine? Simply leave it out.

• A teaspoon of cinnamon adds wonderful warmth and a subtle sweetness.

• For a more festive presentation, serve the vegetables in their separate sections so each siman remains visible on the table.

A Meaningful Addition to the Holiday Table

This simanim casserole is more than a time-saving recipe. It brings together some of Rosh Hashanah's most meaningful traditions in one colorful, flavorful dish.

Each vegetable carries its own special prayer and symbolism, while together they create a beautiful celebration of abundance, gratitude, and hope for the year ahead.

Most importantly, it leaves you with more time to focus on what truly matters: family, blessings, and welcoming the new year with joy.