Crock Pot Tzimmes

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?

What Is Tzimmes?

Tzimmes is a sweet Ashkenazi Jewish stew of carrots, usually with sweet potatoes and dried fruit like prunes, dates or apricots, all cooked low and slow in a honey and orange sauce until it turns thick and glossy. Some families add brisket or flanken and make it a main course, but most of us serve it as a side.

The name is Yiddish, and it comes with a bonus idiom. To “make a tzimmes” means to make a big fuss over something. Which is ironic, because this crock pot version is about the least fussy thing you will ever cook.

Why Tzimmes Is Served on Rosh Hashanah

Tzimmes is basically a Rosh Hashanah wish list in a bowl. Carrots are one of the simanim, the symbolic foods of the holiday. The Yiddish word for carrots, meren, also means “to increase,” so eating them is a wish for more blessings in the new year. Sliced into rounds, they also look like little gold coins, which is a wish for prosperity I can get behind. Add honey and dried fruit and you have a sweet dish for a sweet new year.

It is a classic next to brisket, and you can find it alongside everything else in my full Rosh Hashanah menu. It also shows up at Sukkot and all winter long, because who does not want a warm bowl of sweet vegetables when it is cold out?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Carrots. The star of the show. Cutting them on the bias makes them prettier, and pretty matters.
• Sweet potatoes. They soak up the sauce and turn creamy.
• Onion. Not traditional in every family, but it adds a savory backbone so the dish is not dessert.
• Brown sugar, honey and cinnamon. The sweet, warm base.
• Orange juice, wine and broth. The braising liquid. Any wine works, sweet or dry, red or white.
• Dates. My swap for the traditional prunes. Bubbe, forgive me.

How to Make Tzimmes in a Crock Pot

This is a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss the carrots, sweet potatoes and onion into your slow cooker, add the brown sugar, honey and cinnamon, then pour in the orange juice, wine and broth. Cook on high for about 6 hours, until the vegetables are soft but not mushy. Stir in the dates for the last 30 minutes so they stay plump instead of dissolving.

The one step people skip: if the vegetables are done but the sauce is still thin, scoop the vegetables out and keep cooking the sauce (in the crock pot or a saucepan on the stove) until it is thick enough to coat a spoon. Then pour it back over. That glossy sauce is the whole point.

Tips for the Best Tzimmes

• Cut everything the same size. About 1-inch pieces, so the carrots and sweet potatoes finish at the same time.
• Do not add the dried fruit too early. Six hours will turn it to mush.
• Reduce the sauce. Thin tzimmes is soup. Thick tzimmes is magic.
• Taste before serving. A pinch of salt balances all that sweetness.

Tzimmes Variations

• Prunes or apricots: Go traditional with prunes, or use dried apricots, cherries, raisins or craisins.
• Add potatoes or squash: Russet potatoes or butternut squash make it heartier.
• Meat tzimmes: Some families cook it with brisket or flanken for a one-pot main.
• Baked tzimmes: For an oven version with dried cherries, apricots and a white wine sauce, try my classic tzimmes.
• Tzimmes, but make it party food: Pile it on toast for tzimmes crostini, or turn it into dessert with my tzimmes cake.

How to Store and Make Ahead

Tzimmes is even better the next day, which makes it perfect for a busy holiday. Make it up to 2 days ahead, cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container. Leftovers keep for 4 to 5 days in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat gently on the stove or in a low oven with a splash of orange juice or broth to loosen the sauce.

Tzimmes FAQ

What does tzimmes mean?

Tzimmes is a Yiddish word for this sweet carrot stew. It also shows up in the expression “don’t make a tzimmes,” meaning don’t make a big fuss out of something.

Is tzimmes a side dish or a main dish?

Usually a side. It is most often served next to brisket or roast chicken. Versions made with beef are hearty enough to be a main.

Is tzimmes vegetarian or pareve?

This recipe is vegetarian and pareve if you use vegetable broth (or water). Use chicken broth and it becomes a meat dish, which is fine if you are serving it with brisket anyway. For a vegan version, swap the honey for maple syrup or agave.

Can I make tzimmes without a slow cooker?

Yes. My classic tzimmes is baked in the oven, or you can simmer this version covered on the stove until the vegetables are tender, then uncover to reduce the sauce.

Can I freeze tzimmes?

Yes. Cool it completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of liquid.

What do you serve with tzimmes?

Brisket, roast chicken and round challah are the classic pairings. For more sweet sides, try glazed carrots or sweet potato kugel.

Crock Pot Tzimmes

Amy

A tasty vegetarian side dish!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Servings 6 -8

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 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.

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