Imagine a dish that combines the velvety sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the tangy burst of dried apricots, all wrapped in a warm, comforting embrace of traditional Jewish cuisine. Tsimmes isn't just a side dish – it's a culinary journey that tells a story of heritage, flavor, and love. This Apricot Sweet Potato Tsimmes will not only tantalize your taste buds but also transport you to a world of rich, cultural gastronomy that has been cherished for generations.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Jewish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Halve the dried apricots to distribute them more evenly throughout the tsimmes and create better flavor integration.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes and halved apricots. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the mixture, gently tossing to coat all pieces evenly.
- Melt the butter and pour it over the sweet potato and apricot mixture. Add the vegetable broth and stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer to promote uniform cooking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent the top from burning.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to caramelize slightly and develop a golden-brown color.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the tsimmes rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to cool slightly.
- Serve warm as a side dish, garnishing with additional cinnamon or chopped nuts if desired.
Tips
- Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Use fresh, high-quality dried apricots for the most intense flavor profile.
- Don't skip the aluminum foil cover during initial baking – it helps retain moisture and prevents burning.
- For extra depth, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds before the final caramelization.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- If you prefer a sweeter version, you can increase the brown sugar slightly or drizzle with a touch of honey before serving.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
