Basic Sweet Potato and Carrot Tzimmes

Roughly translated, Tzimmis means “everything mixed together.” It also means “a big deal.” Basically, it is a one-dish meal baked in the oven, consisting of vegetables, with or without meat. However, I have never seen it served as a main course, only as an accompaniment, usually to a holiday meal.

2lbs. of top rib or brisket
2 T schmaltz
boiling water
1 bunch of carrots, sliced in rounds
1 tsp. salt
pepper
4 lg. sweet potatoes, cut in chunks
½ cup brown sugar or honey

Sear meat in hot fat on all sides. Add boiling water to cover and simmer for 1 hour, covered. Add carrots, salt and pepper. Cover again and simmer for ½ hour. Add potatoes and brown sugar. Transfer to casserole or Dutch oven. Add more water if necessary and bake covered for 1 hour at 350º. Serves 4-6 

Some tzimmes recipes contain prunes, raisins and other dried fruits with white potatoes. You can also leave out the meat. You can add 1 cup of rice or farfel. This is a recipe you can play with to suit your own taste. Some people like to put one large knaidel (matzo ball) or dumpling in the middle of the Dutch oven and arrange the rest of the ingredients around it. Make sure to have enough boiling water to cover.

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