Borscht and Tzimmes in 10 Minutes

Everything Jewish - 10 Minutes at a Time · Jun 3, 2026 · 6m

Borscht and Tzimmes represent the quintessential, yet contrasting, flavors of Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, both originating in the cooking traditions of Eastern Europe. Borscht, a sour soup popularized by Jewish communities across Ukraine and Poland, is defined by its deep magenta color derived from its primary ingredient, beets, and can be served hot (often with potatoes, cabbage, and meat stock) or cold (sometimes topped with sour cream, which Jewish versions often omit or substitute for dairy-free consumption). In stark contrast, Tzimmes (Yiddish for "a big fuss") is a distinctly sweet…