Ina Garten Tzimmes

Ina Garten’s Tzimmes is a traditional Jewish dish that combines sweet root vegetables, dried fruits, and a touch of honey to create a flavorful, comforting side dish. Perfect for holidays like Rosh Hashanah or Passover, this dish is a delicious blend of savory and sweet.

What is Ina Garten Tzimmes?

Tzimmes is a classic Jewish recipe made with roasted or stewed carrots, sweet potatoes, and dried fruits, sweetened with honey and orange juice. Often served during Jewish holidays, this dish symbolizes sweetness and hope for the coming year. Ina Garten’s version simplifies the preparation while keeping the flavors authentic and rich.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Tzimmes

• Holiday tradition: A meaningful dish that adds sweetness to Jewish holiday meals.
• Healthy and hearty: Packed with vegetables and naturally sweetened with fruits and honey.
• Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for stress-free holiday cooking.
• Versatile: Works as a side dish for brisket, roast chicken, or as a vegetarian main.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Tzimmes

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup dried apricots, halved
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for topping)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Tzimmes

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Chop the vegetables: Peel and cut the carrots and sweet potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

• Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots, sweet potatoes, dried apricots, and golden raisins.
• Add the liquids: Pour in the orange juice, honey, and melted butter, stirring to coat the ingredients evenly.
• Season: Sprinkle with ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine.

Step 3: Transfer to a Baking Dish

• Arrange in the dish: Pour the mixture into a large baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
• Cover: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and help the vegetables soften.

Step 4: Bake the Tzimmes

• Bake covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
• Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and stir gently, then continue baking uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.

Step 5: Serve

• Add nuts (optional): Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top before serving for added texture.
• Serve warm: Plate the tzimmes as a side dish or vegetarian main.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Tzimmes

• Serve with brisket: The sweetness of the tzimmes complements the richness of a braised brisket.
• Pair with roast chicken: A perfect side for roasted or grilled chicken.
• Enjoy with challah: Scoop the tzimmes onto warm challah for a sweet-savory pairing.
• Add to a vegetarian spread: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, or couscous.
• Top with yogurt: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Tzimmes

• Cut vegetables evenly: Ensure uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Don’t skip the foil: Covering the dish helps the vegetables cook through and stay moist.
• Use fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness and flavor.
• Add nuts just before serving: If using nuts, sprinkle them on at the end to maintain their crunch.
• Make it ahead: Prepare the tzimmes a day in advance and reheat before serving.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Tzimmes

• Add protein: Include chunks of braised beef or chicken for a complete meal.
• Try different fruits: Use prunes, dried cherries, or cranberries in place of apricots or raisins.
• Incorporate spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
• Make it vegan: Replace the butter with olive oil for a vegan version.
• Top with marshmallows: For a sweeter twist, add mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Tzimmes

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave until heated through.
• Freeze for later: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make tzimmes ahead of time?

Yes, tzimmes can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I use different vegetables in tzimmes?

Yes, you can customize tzimmes with other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or butternut squash for added variety.

How do I prevent tzimmes from drying out in the oven?

Covering the dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking stage helps retain moisture. If it looks dry, you can add a splash of orange juice or water while baking.

Is tzimmes a main dish or a side dish?

Tzimmes is traditionally served as a side dish, but it can be made into a main dish by adding protein like braised beef, chicken, or chickpeas.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Tzimmes is a beautiful, heartwarming dish that celebrates tradition and flavor.

Give it a try and bring a touch of tradition to your kitchen!

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