Description
Stovetop Tzimmes is a traditional Jewish sweet vegetable side dish featuring a medley of orange yams, white sweet potatoes, carrots, and dried fruits simmered in a fragrant blend of orange juice, honey, brown sugar, and warm spices. This comforting and naturally sweet dish is perfect for holiday meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds orange yams, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch pieces (about 2 potatoes)
- 1 1/2 pounds white sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch pieces (about 2 potatoes)
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds (about 8 carrots)
Dried Fruits
- 6 ounces dried apples (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 6 ounces dried cranberries (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 12 ounces pitted prunes (about 3 cups)
Liquids & Sweeteners
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or substitute with “no chicken” broth for vegetarian option)
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel and cut the orange yams, white sweet potatoes, and carrots into pieces as specified. Place them at the bottom of a large heavy pot.
- Add Dried Fruits: Sprinkle the dried apples and dried cranberries evenly on top of the vegetables in the pot.
- Mix Liquid Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture over the fruits and vegetables in the pot.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth (or “no chicken” broth) into the pot, ensuring it covers the vegetables halfway. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a simmer, stirring gently once. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cover the pot.
- Midway Stir and Add Prunes: After 45 minutes of simmering, uncover the pot and gently stir the mixture. Place the pitted prunes on top of the simmering vegetables and fruits.
- Final Cooking: Cover the pot again and simmer on the lowest heat for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potato pieces are tender and prunes have softened. Avoid cooking too long to prevent prunes from dissolving into the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the tzimmes warm as a festive side dish alongside holiday meals.
Notes
- The “no chicken” broth substitution makes this dish suitable for vegetarians or those avoiding meat broth.
- Be careful not to overcook after adding prunes to maintain their shape and texture.
- Tzimmes can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey and brown sugar to taste.
- If dried fruits are not available, fresh alternatives or a mix of raisins could be used but will alter flavor and texture slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jewish
