A Modern Day Rosh Hashanah Tzimmes

Delicious Carrot Tzimmes Recipe for a Sweet and Festive Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time for celebration, reflection, and of course, indulging in traditional festive foods that symbolize a sweet year ahead. Among these cherished dishes is carrot tzimmes, a sweet and savory side dish that graces many holiday tables. This carrot tzimmes recipe is not only a nod to tradition, but also a scrumptious addition to any holiday table that will have your guests coming back for seconds!

What is Tzimmes?

Tzimmes is a classic Jewish dish made primarily with carrots and sweet potatoes, often cooked with honey, dried fruits, and a variety of spices. The word “tzimmes” comes from the Yiddish word for “a big fuss” or “a big deal,” but rest assured, this dish is simple to make and well worth the effort.

Why Carrot Tzimmes for Rosh Hashanah?

Carrots are a symbol of prosperity in Jewish tradition. In Yiddish, carrots are called “mehren,” which also means to multiply or increase. Serving carrot tzimmes on Rosh Hashanah is a way to wish for a year filled with abundance and blessings.

Carrot Tzimmes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 medium carrots, peeled, tops and bottoms trimmed and sliced into 1 inch pieces on an angle
• 5 medium parsnip, peeled, tops and bottoms trimmed, cut in half lengthwise and sliced into 1 inch pieces on an angle
• 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, halved lengthwise twice and sliced into 1 inch pieces on an angle
• 2 red onions, tops and bottoms trimmed, peeled, cut in half lengthwise and each half cut 3 times into wedges wedges
• 3-4 tablespoons oil
• salt and pepper to season

• 4 dried prunes, pitted
• 4 medjool dates, pitted
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup orange juice

Instructions:

Tips for the Best Carrot Tzimmes

• Make Ahead: Carrot tzimmes can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving. This allows the flavors to meld—and makes the day of go a little more smoothly.
• Add Some Zest: For a bit of extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of fresh orange zest to the mixture.
• Nutty Twist: If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top before serving.

Carrot tzimmes is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavorful tradition that brings warmth and sweetness to your Rosh Hashanah table. By following this simple recipe, you can create a dish that honors the past while delighting your family and friends. Wishing you a Shana Tova U’Metuka—a good and sweet year!

Enjoy this festive season with the comforting taste of carrot tzimmes, and may your new year be as sweet and abundant as this cherished dish.

Modern Day Tzimmes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Side Dish

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 5 medium carrots, peeled, tops and bottoms trimmed and sliced into 1 inch pieces on an angle 
• 5 medium parsnip, peeled, tops and bottoms trimmed, cut in half lengthwise and sliced into 1 inch pieces on an angle 
• 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, halved lengthwise twice and sliced into 1 inch pieces on an angle 
• 2 red onions, tops and bottoms trimmed, peeled, cut in half lengthwise and each half cut 3 times into wedges wedges
• 3-4 tablespoons oil
• salt and pepper to season

Sauce

• 4 dried prunes, pitted
• 4 medjool dates, pitted
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup orange juice

To garnish

• 1 bunch fresh mint
• 1/4 cup toasted pistachios

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line one extra large or two standard size baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

  To roast the vegetables- Place all vegetables onto the baking sheet/s and toss with salt, pepper and oil to coat. Roast for 50-55 minutes until all the vegetables are cooked through, softened and golden.

   To make the sauce-

  Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool.

  Using an immersion blender, blend the sauce until smooth, transferring to a smaller jar as needed.

  Add vegetables to a serving platter. Top with glaze (thin out with extra orange juice if necessary), crushed pistachios, and fresh mint. 

Keyword root vegetable, prunes, Sweet Potato Boats, Carrots, rosh hashanah chicken, Dates, tzimmes