More meat-free meals for the Nine Days and beyond

It can be hard to plan your menus if you’re observing the Nine Days.

These meat-free recipes still pack a flavour punch and are definitely worth bookmarking if you have vegan or vegetarian housemates/guests.

1. Annie Rigg’s smoky aubergine with tomatoes and chickpeas is simple, economical and layered with flavours – from the smoky chipotle chillis to sweet silan (date syrup) it makes a great supper that can then be packed up for next day’s lunch. Just add flatbreads, pita or laffah and, if you want to pep it up, a sprinkle of salty feta cheese. 

Photo: Issy Croker[Missing Credit]

2. Emily Ezekiel’s one pan baked couscous, pepper and feta salad is another low-cost but satisfying option that’s a delicious for dinner as it is for lunch. Spicy rose harissa and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds give a Middle Eastern flavour. For a tasty vegan option replace the feta cheese so crispy fried onions.

Denise Phillips' Israeli Shawarma Mushrooms[Missing Credit]

3. Shawarma isn’t just for chicken. Try using on different veg, like these fantastic Isaraeli shawarma mushrooms from Denise Phillips. The recipe provides a tasty shwarma mix but you can cut down your shopping time by using a ready made mix — I love the one by Israeli spice suppliers, Pereg. Cook the mushrooms outside on a barbecue or in your oven and serve slathered in tahini sauce.  

Shiri Kraus Spiced Fish Arayes Photo: Inbal Bar-Oz[Missing Credit]

4. Another Israeli favourite of mine are arayes, and Shiri Kraus’s fish arayes are just as delicious as their meaty counterparts. Packed with herbs and spices you can cook them on a griddle or barbecue and serve with potato wedges or oven chips, a bowl of zhug (herb-filled Yemenite uot sauce), tahini sauce and plenty of lemons for squeezing over. An Israeli salad wouldn’t go amiss.