Tzimmes Recipe for Passover

April 1, 2025

This easy Tzimmes recipe for Passover combines sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, and prunes for a naturally sweet, slow-roasted side dish. Perfect for your holiday table, this traditional Jewish recipe is gluten-free, vegetarian, and full of warm, comforting flavors.

Gluten Free, Grain Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free option

Dare I say Passover is my favorite Jewish holiday we celebrate??? I’ve shared several Passover-friendly recipes, but this tzimmes is one I’ve wanted to share for many years.

Many people look at Passover as a disruptive time (no leavened bread products are allowed during this time)

Looking for the perfect Passover side dish that blends sweet, savory, and nostalgic flavors? This Passover Tzimmes recipe is a traditional Jewish dish made with root vegetables, dried fruits, and warm spices. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and simple to prepare, making it an ideal addition to your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a Seder or bringing a dish to a gathering, this comforting, slow-roasted medley will surely impress.

What Is Tzimmes?

Tzimmes (pronounced “tsim-ess”) is a classic Ashkenazi Jewish dish typically made with carrots, sweet potatoes, dried fruits like prunes or apricots, and often flavored with cinnamon or honey. It’s traditionally served during Rosh Hashanah and Passover because of its naturally sweet profile, which symbolizes hopes for a sweet new year and joyful celebrations.

Tzimmes is often roasted or stewed until tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. While some versions include meat such as brisket or flanken, this vegetarian version is perfect for Passover and highlights the natural sweetness of the ingredients.

Ingredients to Make Tzimmes

Carrots: Provide a natural sweetness and earthy flavor, packed with beta-carotene and fiber.
Sweet potatoes: Add a creamy texture and are rich in vitamins A and C, making the dish hearty and nourishing.
Butternut squash: Offers a smooth, slightly nutty flavor and boosts the dish with additional sweetness and vibrant color.
Olive oil: Helps roast the vegetables to perfection while adding heart-healthy fats.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the dish with a warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with sweet vegetables.
Salt and pepper: Balance the sweetness and enhance overall flavor.
Prunes: Add a chewy texture and rich, deep sweetness that complements the roasted vegetables.
Orange juice: Provides brightness and a slight tang to balance the sweet notes.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that deepens the flavor without overpowering it.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the vegetables as they roast.
Cinnamon sticks: Intensify the warming spice profile and add aromatic depth to the dish.

Kitchen Tools Needed to Make This Recipe

Large baking dish or casserole dish
Vegetable peeler
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons and cups
Mixing spoon or spatula

How to Make Tzimmes

Aside from all the chopping (where a good knife and learning knife skills can help!), this recipe is quite easy to make.

You’ll combine nearly all of the ingredients in a large dish and bake…

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, add the carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
Add the prunes, orange juice, and maple syrup to the dish and gently mix.
Dot the mixture with small pieces of butter and place the cinnamon sticks throughout the dish.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 60 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are soft and fork-tender.
Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5–10 minutes, and serve warm as a delicious Passover side dish.

This Passover Tzimmes is as beautiful as it is flavorful, with vibrant colors and a sweet, earthy aroma that fills the kitchen. Perfect for holiday meals or anytime you’re craving a comforting veggie side!

Other Holiday Recipes to Make: