Carrot and Sweet Potato Tzimmes Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

This warm, comforting dish combines the sweetness of carrots, sweet potatoes, and prunes, all topped with a flavorful pineapple-honey glaze. It's the perfect side for any meal or a hearty vegetarian dish on its own.

Ingredients

• 2 (16 ounce) packages baby carrots
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled, quartered, and cut into chunks
• 1 cup pitted prunes
• 1 cups pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved)
• cup pineapple juice from canned pineapple
• cup honey
• 1 cups orange juice
• teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Canola oil (for greasing)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with canola oil.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the baby carrots and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the carrots for about 10 minutes, until they are firm but tender.

Step 3: Stir in the sweet potato chunks and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Drain the mixture and set aside.

Step 4: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked carrots, sweet potatoes, and prunes. Stir them together to ensure they are well-mixed.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, honey, orange juice, salt, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth.

Step 6: Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the vegetables and prunes in the baking dish. Stir to coat evenly.

Step 7: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and heated through.

Step 8: After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and take off the aluminum foil. Add the pineapple chunks and cornstarch to the mixture. Stir until well combined.

Step 9: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe: 12

Nutrition	Amount per Serving
Calories	186
Total Fat	1g
Saturated Fat	0g
Sodium	183mg
Total Carbohydrate	46g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Total Sugars	32g
Protein	2g
Vitamin C	21mg
Calcium	57mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	560mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Carrot and Sweet Potato Tzimmes is a beloved Jewish dish, often enjoyed during the Jewish holidays, especially Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This dish combines the natural sweetness of root vegetables with dried fruits and spices, creating a hearty and comforting side dish.

History of Tzimmes

The origin of tzimmes can be traced back to Eastern European Jewish communities. The name "tzimmes" comes from the Yiddish word for "to stew" or "to make a big deal out of something." Traditionally, tzimmes was made with a variety of ingredients such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and prunes, often braised with honey, cinnamon, and sometimes beef. It has been a staple in Jewish kitchens for centuries, representing abundance and sweetness, symbolizing hope for a sweet new year during the Jewish New Year celebrations.

Regional Variations

While tzimmes is popular across all Jewish communities, regional variations can be found depending on the Jewish diaspora. In Eastern Europe, it might be made with meat, particularly beef, while Sephardic versions, especially those from the Mediterranean regions, often use more fruit, such as apricots or dates. The dish is versatile, and some families add nuts or different types of dried fruits depending on personal taste or local availability of ingredients.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Though tzimmes shares some similarities with other stews or side dishes, its sweet and savory flavor combination sets it apart. Unlike a typical vegetable stew or casserole, which may be savory or even sour, tzimmes incorporates a distinct sweetness from honey, dried fruits like prunes, and sometimes pineapple. This sweet profile aligns it closer to desserts, yet it remains firmly rooted in the savory category due to the earthy vegetables it uses. Other stews, such as the classic "cholent," usually feature beans and meat and are more filling and hearty, while tzimmes leans heavily on root vegetables and fruits, making it lighter and sweeter.

Where Is Tzimmes Typically Served?

Tzimmes is traditionally served at Jewish holiday meals, particularly during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, as the sweetness of the dish symbolizes the hope for a sweet year ahead. It is also commonly seen at Shabbat dinners, especially during the fall and winter months when root vegetables are in season. Some Jewish families serve tzimmes as a side dish alongside brisket or roast chicken. In some households, it is also prepared as a comforting dish for guests, embodying warmth and tradition.

Interesting Facts About Tzimmes

• In addition to its symbolic role during Rosh Hashanah, tzimmes is also said to have medicinal properties. The high fiber content from the vegetables and dried fruits can aid digestion, making it a healthy addition to holiday meals.
• The dish's simplicity and adaptability make it an excellent choice for people with dietary restrictions, as it can easily be made vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free (depending on the recipe modifications).
• In Jewish folklore, tzimmes was believed to have the power to "sweeten" a difficult situation, bringing about better times and more success. This was particularly meaningful during the High Holy Days.
• Some families add a touch of ginger or nutmeg to their tzimmes for an extra burst of flavor, blending both sweet and spicy elements in the dish.

Whether enjoyed during a holiday feast or a family dinner, Carrot and Sweet Potato Tzimmes remains a timeless dish that offers a delicious combination of flavors and a deep connection to Jewish culinary traditions.

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