Tzimmes
Tzimmes is a hearty, sweet and savory Jewish stew featuring tender meat, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pears, perfect for comforting family meals or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the meat and onions in salted water to cover for approximately 3 hours until tender.
- Add the carrots, sweet potatoes, and pears, discarding stems and seeds, and cook for an additional hour.
- Add brown sugar (1/2 cup or more). Turn out the meat and vegetable mixture into a large baking or roasting pan with the cooking liquid to cover.
- Top with Kneidlach (dumplings).
- Bake uncovered at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the short ribs or brisket before boiling. You can substitute the sweet potatoes with butternut squash for a different sweetness profile. If fresh pears are unavailable, canned pears in syrup can work in a pinch, but reduce the added sugar accordingly. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tzimmes warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs beautifully with a side of Dutch Cabbage Or Sweet And Sour Cole Slaw for a refreshing contrast. A dollop of horseradish sauce on the side can also enhance the dish. Enjoy it alongside whole grain bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the tzimmes in a covered dish and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 30-45 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick servings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tzimmes contains roughly 1996 calories, with 31g protein, 437g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (207% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1489mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat for this tzimmes recipe?
Yes, you can substitute short ribs or brisket with lamb shanks or chicken for a lighter version. Adjust the cooking time as necessary since chicken will cook faster than beef. Just ensure the meat is tender before adding the vegetables.
How do I know when the meat is tender enough?
The meat is tender when it easily pulls apart with a fork and has a soft texture. This usually takes about 3 hours for beef. If it’s not tender yet, continue to simmer and check every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired tenderness.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Tzimmes can be made a day ahead. Just prepare it up to the baking step, allow it to cool, and store it covered in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, reheat it in the oven as directed for a delicious meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).