Beef and Carrot Tzimmes
A heartwarming Jewish-American stew with tender beef, sweet carrots, and prunes slow-cooked in a honey-orange sauce. This classic dish is a staple for Rosh Hashanah, bringing sweetness and warmth to the holiday table.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare for Cooking
- b.Position a rack in the lower third of your oven and preheat to 325°F (165°C).
- c.Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels.
- d.In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
- e.Add the beef cubes to the flour mixture and toss until they are evenly and lightly coated.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Beef
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- c.Working in two or three batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- d.Use tongs to transfer the seared beef to a plate and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions to the pot, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom.
- c.Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until they are soft, translucent, and starting to caramelize.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Tzimmes
- b.Pour in the orange juice and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any remaining browned bits.
- c.Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pot.
- d.Add the carrots, sweet potatoes, prunes, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
- e.Stir everything together until well combined and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Braise in the Oven
- b.Once simmering, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- c.Carefully transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven.
- d.Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring once halfway through, until the beef is exceptionally tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- c.Skim any excess fat from the surface if desired.
- d.Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- e.Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't skip searing the beef! It creates a deep, rich flavor base (the Maillard reaction) that is essential for a good stew.
- 2Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven for even heat distribution, which prevents scorching during the long cooking time.
- 3This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. It's a perfect make-ahead meal for holidays.
- 4For a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of baking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- 5For a brighter flavor, add a bit of fresh orange zest along with the parsley just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Different Dried Fruit
Swap the prunes for dried apricots or use a combination of both for a slightly tangier flavor profile.
Vegetarian TzimmesVegetarian Tzimmes
Omit the beef and use 4 lbs of mixed root vegetables like butternut squash, parsnips, and extra sweet potatoes. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spice VariationSpice Variation
Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with the cinnamon and ginger for a more complex, warm spice flavor.
Slow Cooker MethodSlow Cooker Method
After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics on the stovetop, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Carrots and sweet potatoes are excellent sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This nutrient is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin.
High in Protein
Beef is a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing tissues, including muscle, and supporting overall body function.
Good Source of Fiber
The combination of carrots, sweet potatoes, and prunes provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the root vegetables combined with protein and fats from the beef offer a balanced source of long-lasting energy, making it a very satisfying and hearty meal.
Frequently asked questions
Tzimmes is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish sweet stew typically made from carrots and dried fruits like prunes or raisins, often combined with other root vegetables and sometimes meat. It's especially popular during the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing a wish for a sweet new year.