Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes

Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes Recipe from Israel | Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Israel | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes is a traditional Jewish dish that is often served during holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Passover. This sweet and savory dish is a delicious combination of sweet potatoes, carrots, prunes, and citrus fruits, all baked together to create a flavorful and comforting side dish.

History

Tsimmes is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish that originated in Eastern Europe. The word "tsimmes" comes from the Yiddish word for "commotion" or "fuss," which refers to the time-consuming process of preparing this dish. Tsimmes is often made with a combination of root vegetables, dried fruits, and sweeteners, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile that is perfect for holiday meals.

Ingredients

0.5 cup salted water
6 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 lb or 1.36 kg)
1 lb (454 g) carrots
0.5 cup pitted prunes, halved
1 cup orange juice
0.25 cup brown sugar
0.5 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp butter or margarine
20 oz (567 g) can pineapple chunks
1 cup drained mandarin orange pieces

How to prepare

In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
Add potatoes and carrots and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until tender.
Drain and mash the potatoes and carrots.
Place the mashed mixture in a greased 6 qt (5.68 liter) casserole dish along with the prunes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Combine orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes.
Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes.
Uncover and taste the tzimmes.
If the tzimmes tastes sweet enough, dot with margarine or butter and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
Otherwise, add pineapple and oranges, then dot with butter or margarine and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Variations

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
Use different dried fruits such as apricots or raisins for a variation on the traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to peel and dice the sweet potatoes and carrots evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Simmer the vegetables until they are tender but not mushy, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- Taste the tzimmes before adding the pineapple and oranges to adjust the sweetness level to your liking.

- Cover the casserole dish while baking to keep the flavors locked in and prevent the top from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or brisket. It pairs well with other traditional Jewish dishes such as matzo ball soup and kugel.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the sweet potatoes and carrots until tender before mashing them for a smoother texture.

- Bake the tzimmes covered to allow the flavors to meld together before uncovering to caramelize the top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Swap out the prunes for dried apricots or raisins.

- Use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned for a fresher taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the tzimmes with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for a pop of color. Serve in a decorative casserole dish for a beautiful presentation at the holiday table.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes with a glass of sweet white wine such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Serve with a side of challah bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick and easy meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 3g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 180% DV

Vitamin C: 30% DV

Iron: 6% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes is a nutritious side dish that is high in vitamin A and vitamin C. It is a good source of carbohydrates for energy and provides a moderate amount of fats and proteins.

Summary

Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for holiday meals or special occasions. With a combination of sweet potatoes, carrots, prunes, and citrus fruits, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this traditional Jewish dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes. I remember it like it was yesterday.

It all started when I was visiting my Aunt Esther in Brooklyn. She was known in our family for her delicious Jewish recipes, and I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen. One day, as we were preparing for a family gathering, Aunt Esther pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card from her recipe box.

"This is my favorite Tsimmes recipe," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "I learned how to make it from your great-grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. It's been in our family for generations."

I watched intently as Aunt Esther carefully measured out the ingredients and explained the steps to me. Sweet potatoes, carrots, honey, and cinnamon - the flavors and aromas filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. As she placed the dish in the oven to bake, I knew that I had to learn how to make this recipe for myself.

Over the years, I practiced making Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes whenever I could. I made it for holidays, family gatherings, and special occasions. Each time, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own.

As I grew older, I continued to collect recipes from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I met along the way. I would jot down notes on scraps of paper, gather ingredients from the local market, and spend hours in the kitchen perfecting each dish. Cooking became my passion, my way of connecting with others and preserving the traditions of my family.

One day, while flipping through my recipe box, I stumbled upon the old, stained card that Aunt Esther had given me all those years ago. The memories came flooding back - the laughter, the stories, the love that went into making that Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes. I knew that it was time to pass on this recipe to the next generation.

I invited my granddaughter, Sarah, over to my house for a cooking lesson. As I showed her how to peel and chop the sweet potatoes and carrots, I shared stories of my own childhood and the lessons I had learned in the kitchen. We laughed and talked, bonding over the shared experience of cooking together.

When the Tsimmes was finally ready, we sat down at the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The sweet and savory flavors melded together perfectly, bringing back memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts. Sarah took a bite and smiled, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"Grandma, this is amazing!" she exclaimed. "I can't wait to make this for my friends and family."

I felt a sense of pride and joy as I watched Sarah carry on the tradition of Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes. I knew that the recipe would live on, passed down from generation to generation, connecting us to our past and our heritage.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this moment, I am filled with gratitude for all the recipes, stories, and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today. Cooking has always been more than just a chore or a task - it is a way of expressing love, sharing traditions, and connecting with those we hold dear.

And so, as I gather my loved ones around the table once again, I know that the Sweet Potato-Carrot Tsimmes will always have a special place in our hearts and in our stomachs. It is a dish that transcends time and brings us together, reminding us of the power of food to nourish not only our bodies, but our souls as well.