Do you find yourself saying “I really don’t use my crock pot enough?” Boy do I! Crock pots are a fantastic way to cook a lovely meal while you are at work/running errands/too busy building a glittery slap bracelet Etsy store to slave over a hot stove all day. Just set it and forget it- perfect for my vegetarian Crock Pot Tzimmes! (Here is a great affordable crock pot if you need one). Tzimmes is a hearty, sweet dish, bordering on a stew, and makes a perfect cozy winter meal. Can’t you just picture yourself curled up in a big chair, with the fake fireplace DVD crackling in the background, noshing on tzimmes? Let’s make this dream a reality, shall we? There are literally millions of ways to make this traditional treat. Well, maybe not millions, but at least a baker’s dozen. Often paired with brisket, I used chicken stock in mine for extra flavor, but veggie stock or even water would do just fine! In addition to sweet potatoes and carrots, I added onions to the original masterpiece, and replaced the traditional prunes with dates as I don’t like prunes. Which is the only thing Bubbe and I don’t have in common; that woman loves her some prunes. Other tasty ingredients could be russet potatoes, apricots, pears, raisins, craisins (how good are craisins btw?), or cherries. Pretty much anything! Like my Jewish Apple Cake, tzimmes is traditionally served on Rosh Hashanah. But, I think it’s perfect for fall!
Here is all Jew need!
The hardest part is prepping your veggies. Wash and peel your carrots, and cut into 1 inch pieces on the bias. Because it’s prettier than way and we all know being pretty is what matters most.
Next up, peel and wash the sweet potatoes. You can cute them a plethora of ways. Cut the sweet potato into a block, and then you can make perfect squares and impress all your friends!
Or if you are feeling like a masochist, cut into tournes.
Or just cut into chunks- this is a crock pot recipe after all! Make sure the chunks are as even as possible so they cook easily.
Then toss your carrots, sweet potatoes and onion chunks into your crock pot.
Add dates, brown sugar, honey and cinnamon.
Then cover with orange juice, wine, and broth.
Next time, I would add the dates in towards the end so they didn’t get as mushy. Cook on high for 6 hours or until vegetables and soft but not mushy and sauce is thick and covers vegetables. VERY IMPORTANT: if the vegetables are soft and the sauce is not thick yet, remove vegetables and continue to cook the sauce in the crock pot or a sauce pan until it is thick. Pour over vegetables.
It is that easy! Now, where is my fireplace DVD?

Crock Pot Tzimmes
Ingredients
- 3 cups carrots washed, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces on the bias
- 3 cups sweet potatoes washed, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 cups onion cut into chunks
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup wine I used a dry red, but sweet or dry, red or white will work
- 1 cup broth chicken or vegetable
- 1 cup dates pitted
Instructions
- Toss your carrots, sweet potatoes and onion chunks into your crock pot.
- Add brown sugar, honey and cinnamon.
- Then cover with orange juice, wine, and broth.
- Cook on high for 6 hours or until vegetables and soft but not mushy and sauce is thick and coats the vegetables. Add the dates after 5 1/2 hours and continue cooking.
- VERY IMPORTANT: if the vegetables are soft and the sauce is not thick yet, remove vegetables and continue to cook the sauce in the crock pot or a sauce pan until it is thick. Pour over vegetables.
I love this no-tsouris tsimmis! Now I just need a crockpot… 😉
Mmmmmm!
Crock Pots are pretty affordable and useful! I think it’s a good investment.
Alright Amy, you left the big state of Texas for the state of BIG taxes, now I catch ya wonderin’ ’round on The Nosher, …….we wanna see yer passport !!!. Pronto, undelay, chop, chop !
Oops, that was a flub, you were caught wanderin’ NOT wonderin’.
I know this is an older post, but I’m making this now and was wondering how thick the liquid should be? I removed the now-soft veggies and am simmering the liquid on the stove, but it doesn’t seem to be thick at all. Thoughts?
Sorry, I just saw this! The sauce should continue to thicken as it cools.
I made this tzimmes for the first time this past Rosh Hashanah and it was a hit with the people that mattered to me the most: my parents! I don’t usually make/eat this sort of thing myself, but I tried a bite and it was pretty dang good! I will certainly be making more of it , especially because my dad has already put in an order for another batch!
Awesome! Glad everyone enjoyed!
can I omit the wine ? Substtue with apple cider vinegar?
I would try grape juice!
Or apple juice!