The Backstory: There is something so special about Rosh Hashanah and its traditions – and I’m not being biased because this holiday usually falls around my birthday! The sweetness of the whole occasion seems to lift everyone’s spirits and signal a fresh start. More of the Backstory after the recipe…

Print This Recipe

Traditional Tzimmes

Autumnal vegetables, fruits and and spices are simmered and stewed together for the perfect blend of sweet and savory goodness. The tzimmes gets sweeter and better the longer it sits and served at room temperature so don't be afraid to make ahead (even a day or two) and let it sit in the fridge.

Cuisine Jewish

Prep Time 40 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

• 9 medium carrots peeled
• 4 sweet potatoes
• 1 cup pitted prunes
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp Kosher salt

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut carrots into 2-inch pieces. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, and lower heat to medium; add sweet potatoes in their skins, and cook for 20 minutes, adding the carrots after 10 minutes. Drain in a colander, and set aside until cool enough to handle.
3. Peel sweet potatoes, and cut into 1-inch chunks. Place in a large bowl along with carrots and remaining ingredients. Mix well, and transfer to a 2-quart baking dish.
   
4. Cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes, basting with pan juices after 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

• This makes for a lovely root vegetable side dish, but add brisket, chicken or turkey for a main course meal.
• After baking, ensure all your vegetables are well cooked. If your carrots are still hard, bake for a bit longer.

…The Backstory continues: I’ve always thought that, as Jews, we are lucky, as we are blessed with two New Year’s. Every December 31, I make a list of resolutions that I don’t often abide by (Exercise, Shmexercise), but Rosh Hashanah gives us that second chance. This time of year is one to take a break, reflect and align one’s path and priorities. Another opportunity for a sweet, prosperous and healthy year.

Aside from the much-loved apples and honey, this hearty and honeyed Tzimmes is just as comforting as the notion of Rosh Hashanah. That said, this sweet stew can be cooked anytime of year – some people serve Tzimmes over Hanukkah and Passover.

The Yiddish term, Tzimmes, is derived from words (tzim + esn) that more or less means “for eating”. While that goes without saying, this recipe yields a substantial amount, so you may be eating it for days. Feel free to halve or double the ingredients, depending on the number of people for which you’re catering.

Please follow and like us:

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Nicole Beale

Nicky Beale is an avid cook and food photographer who hails from Johannesburg, South Africa. She is excited to be a part of The Jewish Kitchen — a special community that celebrates food, culture and family — as it was exactly this that made her feel more at home while living abroad. When she's not in the kitchen, Nicky works in television production on shows for the likes of Syfy and Starz. She earned a Master of Science degree in Television Production from Boston University and obtained her undergraduate degree in film theory and journalism from the University of Cape Town.

Latest posts by Nicole Beale (see all)

• Raspberry Financiers - April 26, 2015
• Bostock - April 26, 2015
• Apricot Hamantaschen - April 26, 2015
• Cheese Blintzes - April 26, 2015