Tzimmes

Carrot tzimmes with honey

Tzimmes, tsimmes, and other spelling variants (Yiddish: צימעס) is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish sweet stew typically made from carrots and dried fruits such as prunes or raisins, often combined with other root vegetables.[1][2][3] Some cooks add chunks of meat (usually flanken or brisket).[1][3][4] The dish is cooked slowly over low heat and flavored with honey or sugar and sometimes cinnamon or other spices.[5]

Tzimmes is often part of the Rosh Hashanah meal, when it is traditional to eat sweet and honey-flavored dishes. Traditionally sliced in rounds, carrots bring to mind gold coins, symbolizing the hope of prosperity in the year to come.[1][6]

The name may come from the Yiddish words tzim (for) and esn (eating).[1] "To make a big tzimmes over something" is a Yinglish expression that means to make a big fuss, perhaps because of all the slicing, mixing, and stirring that go into the preparation of the dish.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Zeldes, Leah A. (2010-09-01). "Eat this! Tzimmes, A sweet start to the Jewish New Year". Dining Chicago. Chicago's Restaurant & Entertainment Guide, Inc. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  2. ↑ Holiday food
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Merriam-Webster dictionary: tzimmes
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Joan Nathan, Joan Nathan's Jewish Holiday Cookbook, Schocken, 2004; page 237.
  5. ↑ Whats4eats: carrot-tzimmes recipe
  6. ↑ Tri City Herald: Carrot tzimmes