Description
Beef Root Vegetable Tzimmes is a hearty Jewish-inspired stew made with tender beef, sweet root vegetables, dried fruit, and warm spices. Slow-braised until rich and flavorful, this dish beautifully balances savory and sweet, making it perfect for family dinners or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
4 cups beef broth
1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 lb turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat beef dry, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Brown beef cubes on all sides (3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Add onion to the pot and cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return beef to the pot, pour in beef broth, and bring to a simmer.
- Add carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and turnips. Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, checking liquid as needed.
- Stir in apricots, honey, and lemon juice. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until apricots are plump and stew is rich.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Use brisket or short ribs instead of chuck for a richer flavor.
Swap apricots with prunes, raisins, or dates for different sweetness.
Add rutabaga or celeriac for variety.
Adjust honey and lemon juice to balance sweetness and tang.
This stew tastes even better the next day after resting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
