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Tzimmes is a traditional Ashkenazi dish of carrots slowly cooked with honey, onion, cinnamon and ginger until tender and glossy. The sweetness represents hopes for a sweet new year, making it a Rosh Hashanah favorite.
About Tzimmes
The Yiddish phrase “to make a tzimmes” means to make a fuss, but the dish itself is simple. Sauté the onion, add the carrots, honey, broth and spices, and simmer covered until the carrots are very tender, then uncover to reduce the liquid to a glaze. Prunes or dried apricots added in the last 15 minutes make it richer.
Kosher Notes
Made with vegetable broth and oil, tzimmes is pareve, so it goes with brisket or chicken. Some families make it with meat (flanken), which makes it fleishig. Carrots are also a traditional Rosh Hashanah symbol, as the Yiddish word for carrots, meren, also means “to increase.”
Make-Ahead
Tzimmes improves after a day or two and keeps for 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.

Ingredients
What I use for this recipe
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Method
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
- Add the carrot pieces to the pot and stir to combine with the onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly caramelize the carrots.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, honey, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the remaining liquid forms a glossy glaze that coats the carrots.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey as needed. The tzimmes should be sweet but balanced.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
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