Recipe: Nava Atlas' Sweet Potato Tzimmes

SWEET POTATO TZIMMES
"In Yiddish, "tzimmes" means a big fuss or commotion. Fortunately, this melange of sweet vegetables and dried fruits is not much of a fuss to make, and is a signature holiday dish."


2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large red onion, quartered and thinly sliced
3 large carrots, sliced
3 large sweet potatoes, cooked or microwaved, then peeled and sliced
1 large pear, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup chopped dried prunes
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
2/3 cup orange juice, preferably fresh
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons minced fresh or jarred ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated)
1/3 to 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts for topping, optional

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Oil a shallow 2-quart baking dish.

Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and saute over medium heat until translucent. Add the carrots and continue to saute until the onion is golden.

Combine the carrots and onions with the remaining ingredients except the walnuts in a mixing bowl and stir until thoroughly mixed. Don't worry if the potato slices break apart. Spread in the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top begins to turn slightly crusty. Serve hot.

Makes 6 to 8 servings
Adapted from source: Vegan Holiday Kitchen by Nava Atlas