Tzim·mes [tsim-is] Also, tsimmes. Any of various sweetened combinations of vegetables, fruit, and sometimes meat, prepared as a casserole or stew.

The literal translation of tzimmes is “tzim – for” and “esn- eating”, also translated as a sweet carrot dish.  Interestingly enough, tzimmes is also a slang term for “a major issue made out of a minor event” – Don’t make such a tzimmes, perhaps due to the laborious task of peeling, slicing and mixing of the carrots. This dish is traditionally a mixture of cooked fruit and vegetables – usually carrots, sweet potatoes, honey and dried fruit like prunes, raisins and apples. The overarching flavour of tzimmes is: sweet.

A little bit of history…

Compote or stew is part of Eastern European culture, due to the cold climate in countries like Russia and Poland. This sweet carrot dish is usually eaten on Rosh Hashana, where we over indulge on sweet foods in the hope of having a sweet new year. The golden circles of carrots also symbolize gold coins, for a year of prosperity.

Spot the nutrition…

While this traditional dish usually requires sugar or honey in addition to chicken shmultz, carrots are the definitive ingredient of tzimmes. And when it comes to nutrition, carrots have quite a bit to offer. The first thing you should know about these radiantly orange veggies is that they are an excellent source of beta-carotene (giving them the orange ‘carrot’ colour). Beta-carotene is converted in the body into Vitamin A which is beneficial for the skin, the immune system and night vision. Often, cooking causes a loss of vitamin and minerals. However, in the case of beta-carotene – cooking the carrot will actually enhance the absorption of this nutrient! An added bonus to this cooked carrot dish. And if you’re really feeling adventurous – leave the carrot peel on in your tzimmes to increase the fibre content of the dish. Don’t stress if you prefer the carrots peeled – they still provide plenty of fibre on their own. Be wary of consuming too many carrots, your skin may begin to give off an orange glow (seriously). How’s your sweet tooth feeling?