15+ Carrot Tzimmes Recipes Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
When it comes to traditional Jewish cuisine, one dish that is often a staple at holiday dinners is carrot tzimmes. This sweet and savory dish is made with tender carrots, honey, and various dried fruits and nuts, creating a delicious and comforting side dish that pairs well with any main course. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of carrot tzimmes, as well as provide you with some mouth-watering recipes to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Prunes, Dried Apricots, Orange Juice, Ground
If you're following a Paleo diet, you may think that traditional Jewish dishes like tzimmes are off-limits. But fear not, because there are plenty of delicious Paleo-friendly versions of this sweet and savory dish. Instead of using white sugar, these recipes often call for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and use healthier cooking methods like roasting instead of frying. So go ahead and enjoy a guilt-free version of this classic dish.
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Stovetop Tzimmes
Main Ingredients: Yams, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Dried Apples, Dried
If you don't have access to an oven, or just want to save time, stovetop tzimmes is the way to go. This recipe involves cooking all the ingredients in a pot on the stove until they're tender and caramelized. It's a quicker method compared to roasting in the oven, but still yields a delicious result. Serve it as a side dish or add some chicken or beef to make it a one-pot meal.
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Mom’s Tzimmes (Tsimis)
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Apples, Pineapple, Dried
For many of us, our mom's cooking holds a special place in our hearts. This recipe for tzimmes is a tribute to all the moms out there, and is sure to bring back warm and comforting memories. It's a traditional recipe that combines carrots, sweet potatoes, and prunes in a sweet and tangy sauce. Your mom would be proud of you for carrying on the tradition.
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Roasted Glazed Carrot Tzimmes
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Oil, Salt, Chopped Parsley, Pistachios, Nuts
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, and this roast glazed carrot tzimmes takes full advantage of that. Glazed with a mixture of honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, these carrots are bursting with flavor. The addition of onions and garlic adds depth to the dish, making it a perfect side for any meal.
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Carrot Tzimmes
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Sweet Potato, Parsnips, Orange Jam, Chicken
If you're a fan of simple and easy-to-follow recipes, this carrot tzimmes is for you. With just a handful of ingredients, including carrots, sweet potatoes, and prunes, this recipe is a breeze to make. The carrots and sweet potatoes are cooked until tender and then glazed with a mixture of honey and orange juice, giving it a refreshing and tangy twist.
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Roasted Fig and Carrot Tzimmes
Main Ingredients: Dried Figs, Orange Juice, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes
If you want to take your tzimmes to the next level, try adding some figs to the mix. Roasted fig and carrot tzimmes is a unique and delicious twist on the traditional dish. The figs add a natural sweetness and a beautiful contrast to the savory carrots and sweet potatoes. It's a perfect dish for a special occasion or holiday meal.
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Tzimmes
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Medium Carrots, Prunes, Orange Zest
There are endless variations of tzimmes, and this classic version is a great starting point for anyone new to the dish. Made with carrots, sweet potatoes, and prunes, it's a simple and wholesome dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The key to a successful tzimmes is to cook it low and slow, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
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Colorful Cabbage Salad
Main Ingredients: Green Cabbage, Carrots, Snow Peas, Red Bell Pepper
Looking for a lighter and healthier option? This colorful cabbage salad is a refreshing and crisp addition to any meal. Shredded cabbage, carrots, and apples are tossed with a tangy dressing made with apple cider vinegar and honey. It's a perfect side dish for any of the rich and hearty tzimmes recipes.
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Grilled Chicken Teriyaki With Udon Noodle Salad
Main Ingredients: Free Range Chicken Breasts, Boneless Skin On Chicken
For a twist on classic chicken dishes, try this grilled chicken teriyaki with udon noodle salad. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce before being grilled to perfection. The udon noodle salad is a refreshing and light side dish, perfect for balancing out the rich and savory flavors of the chicken.
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Parmesan Crescent-Topped Chicken A La King
Main Ingredients: Butter, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
If you want to impress your dinner guests, look no further than this Parmesan crescent-topped chicken a la king. This dish combines tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with a flaky and cheesy crescent crust. It's a hearty and indulgent meal that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Saucy Vegetable Chow Mein
Main Ingredients: Ramen Soup Mix, Vegetable Oil, Shredded Cabbage, Bean
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, this saucy vegetable chow mein is a great choice. This dish is packed with flavor and a variety of vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. The key to a good chow mein is to cook the noodles just until they are al dente, so they don't become mushy in the sauce.
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Thanksgiving Tzimmes
Main Ingredients: Parsnips, Sweet Potatoes, Large Carrots, White Onion
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying delicious food. This Thanksgiving tzimmes is a perfect addition to your holiday menu. It combines traditional Thanksgiving flavors like sweet potatoes and cranberries with the classic tzimmes ingredients of carrots and prunes. It's a perfect dish to add some diversity to your Thanksgiving spread.
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Holiday Tzimmes
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil Spray, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Honey, Orange
If you're looking for a show-stopping dish for your holiday table, this holiday tzimmes is the way to go. It's a sweet and savory dish that combines carrots, sweet potatoes, and prunes, with the addition of dried apricots and raisins. The variety of dried fruits adds a burst of flavor and texture to the dish, making it a holiday favorite.
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Skinny Carrot Potato Soup with Honey Cream
Main Ingredients: Smoked Paprika, Ground Black Pepper, Low Sodium
If you're looking for a lighter option, this skinny carrot potato soup with honey cream is a great choice. It's a creamy and comforting soup that is packed with nutrients from the carrots and potatoes. The honey cream adds a touch of sweetness and richness to the soup, making it a delicious and healthy meal.
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Sweet Potato Tzimmes
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onions, Large Carrots, Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great addition to any tzimmes recipe, and this sweet potato tzimmes is no exception. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this dish is sure to be a hit with your taste buds. And with the added health benefits of sweet potatoes, you can enjoy this dish guilt-free.
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Traditional Rosh Hashanah Tzimmes
Main Ingredients: Spanish Onion, Oil, Carrots, Sweet Potato, Prunes
Rosh Hashanah is a time for celebrating with family and friends, and this traditional Rosh Hashanah tzimmes is a must-have on your holiday table. With a mix of carrots, sweet potatoes, and prunes, it's a sweet and comforting dish that symbolizes a sweet new year. Serve it alongside your other holiday favorites for a complete and delicious meal.
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Foolproof Savory Shepherd's Pie
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Unsalted
Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food, and this foolproof savory version is sure to become a family favorite. Instead of the traditional mashed potato topping, this recipe uses a combination of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes for a healthier and more flavorful twist. The addition of tzimmes to the filling adds a unique and delicious touch.
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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Yellow Onion, Carrot, Garlic
Butternut squash is a versatile and delicious vegetable, and this roasted butternut squash soup is a perfect way to showcase it. The squash is roasted until caramelized and then blended with a mix of spices and broth to create a creamy and flavorful soup. Serve it with some crusty bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.
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Oven-Braised Beef Brisket
Main Ingredients: Beef Brisket, Salt, Black Pepper, Medium Onion, Medium
Beef brisket is a classic Jewish dish that is often served for holidays and special occasions. This oven-braised beef brisket is a tried-and-true recipe that results in tender and flavorful meat. The addition of tzimmes to the dish adds a touch of sweetness and complements the rich flavors of the beef.
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Slow Cooker Smoky Ham and White Bean Soup
Main Ingredients: Leeks, Carrots, Celery Stalks, Garlic Cloves, Extra
For a hearty and comforting meal that practically cooks itself, try this slow cooker smoky ham and white bean soup. The smoky ham adds a depth of flavor to this soup, while the white beans make it a filling and nutritious meal. Serve it with a side of tzimmes for a complete and satisfying dinner.
The Significance of Carrot Tzimmes in Jewish Cuisine
Carrot tzimmes, also known as "meren," is a dish that has been a part of Jewish cuisine for centuries. The word "tzimmes" is derived from the Yiddish word "tsimis," which means "to make a fuss" or "to mix." This dish is often served during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, as it symbolizes a sweet and prosperous new year. The carrots in the dish represent the hope for a sweet and prosperous future, while the dried fruits and nuts represent the abundance of blessings to come. Additionally, the long, thin shape of the carrots is said to resemble a golden thread, symbolizing a long and prosperous life.
The Evolution of Carrot Tzimmes
While the traditional recipe for carrot tzimmes includes carrots, honey, and dried fruits, variations of the dish have emerged over time. Some recipes include the addition of beef or chicken, making it a more substantial main course. Others may add cinnamon, ginger, or other spices to enhance the flavor profile. The dish has also evolved to include other root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, and turnips, adding more depth and variety to the dish.
Recipes for Carrot Tzimmes
Now that you know the significance and evolution of carrot tzimmes, it's time to try making it yourself! Here are two delicious recipes to add to your repertoire:
1. Traditional Carrot Tzimmes
Ingredients:
2 lbs. carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 cup pitted prunes, chopped
1 cup raisins
1 cup honey
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. salt
1 cup water
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots, apricots, prunes, raisins, honey, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and pour the water over the top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the sauce is thickened.
Serve hot and enjoy your sweet and savory carrot tzimmes!
2. Beef and Carrot Tzimmes
Ingredients:
2 lbs. beef brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 lbs. carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 cup pitted prunes, chopped
1 cup raisins
1 cup honey
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. salt
1 cup beef broth
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef, carrots, apricots, prunes, raisins, honey, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and pour the beef broth over the top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened.
Serve hot and enjoy your hearty and flavorful beef and carrot tzimmes!
Now that you have some delicious recipes to try, it's time to bring the tradition and symbolism of carrot tzimmes to your holiday table. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twist, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a meaningful addition to your celebratory meals.
