Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes is the recipe for you if you’re looking for a dish both comforting and festive! This sweet and savory classic Jewish side dish is a crowd-pleaser and a must-have on your holiday dinner table. With its natural sweetness from sweet potatoes, carrots, and prunes and accented by the hint of warmth from cinnamon and honey, Tzimmes is the most comforting dish, having everyone on the table begging for seconds.
What’s especially nice about Tzimmes is how simple it is — easy to make, with hardly any prep, and a harmonious medley of flavors. Whether you’re having the family to your home, getting ready for Rosh Hashanah, or just hankering for a hearty side dish, this one will do the trick. And because it can be slow-cooked or roasted, it’s extremely versatile for busy weeknights or showstopping meals.
In fact, if you’re a fan of roasted flavors and sweet sides, you may also want to check out our Roasted Sweet Carrots with Honey, and Thyme, another quick and delicious recipe on the blog that is sure to wow.
Now, read on so you can make this Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes yourself at home — it’s easier than you think!
What is Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes?
So, what is Tzimmes, and why is it worthy of your recipe collection? The first question has to be: Have you ever had a dish that feels as if the you’re being swaddled in warm blankets? Well, that’s the beauty of Tzimmes! This sweet and savory dish has origins in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, and it’s traditionally made for holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
The name “Tzimmes” might sound a bit funny, but it actually comes from the Yiddish word for a “big deal.” And when you take a taste, you won’t be surprised at all! It’s made from a mixture of sweet potatoes, carrots, prunes, and occasionally dried apricots or raisins, all simmered in an aromatic sauce of honey, cinnamon and a little salt.
Perhaps this is why people say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” — Tzimmes is one of those dishes that make everyone smile. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes
Tzimmes is everything you want in a side dish: easy, inexpensive and flavored heavily. The natural sweetness in the carrots and sweet potatoes nicely rounds out the savory cinnamon and the prunes contribute a chewy, rich texture that completes the dish. It’s the quintessential companion to any meal, from casual weeknight dinners to special holiday gatherings.
Homemade Tzimmes: First of all, making Tzimmes at home is crazycheap; Tzimmes is a sweet dish with fillings made from root veggies like potatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes. The ability to control flavors and ingredients will often lead to a healthier version than what’s available in stores. Plus, you can tailor the sweetness to your taste — sprinkle in more honey or even a pinch or two of brown sugar if you prefer it sweeter than sweet.
If you are a fan of dishes like Sweet Potato Casserole or Roasted Root Vegetables, you’ll find Tzimmes to be a delicious alternative that offers those same hearty, comforting flavors. So, what are you waiting for? Now it is time to give this awesome recipe a go!
How to Make Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes
Quick Overview
This recipe is worlds simpler — sweet potatoes meet carrots, prunes and cinnamon in the pot, and all that goodness becomes a rich, comforting dish that accompanies anything from roasted proteins to baked chicken. You can prepare it in the oven for a roasted tzimmes (dish) or in a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach. Either way, you’ll end up with a meal that’s delicious and filling in less than an hour and a half.
Key Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup pitted prunes (you can use raisins or apricots for variation)
- 1/4 cup honey (more if you prefer extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup water (for moisture, or use orange juice for a citrus twist)
Optional:
- 1/2 cup dried apricots or raisins for additional texture and flavor
- 1/4 cup orange juice for a bit of citrusy freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you’re roasting the Tzimmes. Alternatively, prepare your slow cooker.
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes and carrots into bite-sized chunks. If you’re using dried apricots, slice them as well.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, carrots, prunes (or raisins), cinnamon, salt, and honey. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Roasting method: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and add the olive oil and water (or orange juice for a citrusy twist). Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and caramelized. Slow Cooker Method: Add all the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it to low, and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve and enjoy: Once your Tzimmes is ready, it’s time to dig in! The dish should have a warm, slightly sweet, and fragrant aroma.
What to Serve Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes With
The rich, spicy dish is wonderful on its own, but also goes beautifully with roasted meats such as chicken, brisket or roast lamb. For a vegetarian version, pair it with roasted cauliflower or a green bean almondine to make a balanced, healthful dinner.
To drink, apple cider or a crisp, chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc balances the Tzimmes’ sweetness beautifully.
Top Tips for Perfecting Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes
- Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can add more honey or a pinch of brown sugar to make the dish sweeter.
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the vegetables, the better the Tzimmes will taste. If possible, opt for organic sweet potatoes and carrots for richer flavors.
- Don’t rush the slow-cooking process: If using a slow cooker, give the Tzimmes enough time to cook on low for 4-6 hours for the best results.
- Mix up the fruits: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different dried fruits, like raisins, apricots, or figs, to customize your dish.
Health Benefits of Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes
| Health Benefit | Details |
|---|
| Rich in Vitamins A and C | Sweet potatoes and carrots are both excellent sources of vitamins A and C, which are important for skin health, immune function, and vision. |
| High in Fiber | The combination of sweet potatoes and carrots provides a good amount of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and promoting satiety. |
| Antioxidant-Rich | Sweet potatoes, carrots, and dried fruits like prunes are rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. |
| Low in Fat | This recipe is naturally low in fat, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a heart-healthy diet. |
| Good for Heart Health | The high potassium content in sweet potatoes and carrots helps regulate blood pressure, supporting overall heart health. |
| Natural Sweetness | Tzimmes gets its sweetness from natural sources like sweet potatoes, carrots, and prunes, reducing the need for added sugars and promoting healthier blood sugar levels. |
| Rich in Iron | The prunes in Tzimmes provide a good source of iron, which is essential for healthy red blood cells and preventing anemia. |
| Helps with Hydration | The high water content in the vegetables, especially carrots, contributes to hydration and supports overall bodily functions. |
How to Make Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes
Course: side dishCuisine: JewishDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes1
hour200
kcalBarefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes is a sweet and savory dish made with sweet potatoes, carrots, prunes, and cinnamon. This easy-to-make recipe offers a comforting combination of flavors, perfect for family dinners and special occasions. You can make it in the oven or slow cooker for ultimate convenience!
Ingredients
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cup pitted prunes (you can use raisins or apricots for variation)
1/4 cup honey (more if you prefer extra sweetness)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup water (for moisture, or use orange juice for a citrus twist)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you’re roasting the Tzimmes. Alternatively, prepare your slow cooker.
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes and carrots into bite-sized chunks. If you’re using dried apricots, slice them as well.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, carrots, prunes (or raisins), cinnamon, salt, and honey. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Roasting method: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and add the olive oil and water (or orange juice for a citrusy twist). Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Slow Cooker Method: Add all the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it to low, and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve and enjoy: Once your Tzimmes is ready, it’s time to dig in! The dish should have a warm, slightly sweet, and fragrant aroma.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or brown sugar according to your taste.
This dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats like chicken, lamb, or brisket.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
FAQs : Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes
What is Tzimmes?
Tzimmes is a traditional Jewish dish made with sweet potatoes, carrots, dried fruit like prunes or apricots, and often flavored with cinnamon and honey. It’s a sweet, savory dish that’s commonly served for holidays or special family gatherings.
Can I make Ina Garten’s Tzimmes in a slow cooker?
Yes! Ina Garten’s Tzimmes recipe can be easily adapted for the slow cooker. Simply follow the same ingredients and instructions, but cook on low for 4-6 hours instead of baking in the oven.
Can I substitute prunes in Tzimmes?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of prunes, you can substitute them with dried apricots, raisins, or even dried figs for a different flavor while still keeping the sweetness in the dish.
How can I make Tzimmes less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet Tzimmes, you can reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar in the recipe. You can also add a touch of lemon juice to balance the sweetness with acidity.
What should I serve Tzimmes with?
Tzimmes is a versatile side dish that pairs well with roasted meats like chicken, brisket, or lamb. It also complements rich dishes with its natural sweetness and flavors.
Share Your Twist
We’d love to hear how you put your unique spin on Barefoot Contessa’s Tzimmes! Whether you add a special ingredient, use a different cooking method, or just tweak the flavors to suit your tastes, sharing your version can inspire others in the kitchen. Do you prefer to add a touch of orange zest? Or maybe you swap prunes for dried apricots? Let us know your creative twist in the comments below or tag us on social media with your version! Your personalized touch might just become the next favorite variation of this classic dish. Happy cooking!
References
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