Prepare Charoset

Charoset (pronounced ha-ROW-sit) is a chunky fruit and nut paste that is served during the Passover Seder, a Jewish ritual feast that marks the beginning of Passover. The charoset represents clay and mortar (khar-sit), as a reminder of the cement mixes the Israelites had to make for the Pharaoh's constructions.[1] Ultimately, the charoset is a symbol of hope.[1]

The usual Ashkenazi charoset is made with raw grated apple, walnuts, and sweet wine. This article provides you with a few variants as well. Charoset is usually eaten with maror (bitter herbs) and unleavened bread (matzo). Charoset is best made just prior to eating.

Ingredients

Traditional charoset:[2]

  • 3 medium sweet apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 1 1/2 cups walnut halves, lightly toasted and cooled, then coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sweet red wine (e.g., Manischewitz Extra Heavy Malaga)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

Sephardi charoset:[3]

  • 20 pitted dates, Medjool is a good choice
  • 3 bananas
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup sweet red wine (e.g., Manischewitz Extra Heavy Malaga)
  • 3 tablespoons date syrup (silan) or honey
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves, toasted
  • 1/2 cup unsalted shelled pistachio nuts (undyed), toasted
  • 1/2 cup whole almonds, toasted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Sephardi-style almond charoset:[4] Yields 1 cup:

  • 8 large, juicy dates; pitted
  • 1/4 cup red wine
  • 1/4 cup almonds
  • 1/4 cups walnuts
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch ground ginger

Pomegranate charoset:[5] Also known as "Persian charoset".

  • 25 dates, pitted and diced
  • 1/2 cup unsalted pistachios (undyed)
  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1 1/2 peeled sweet apples, cored and diced
  • 1 pomegranate, seeded
  • 1 orange, peeled and diced
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1/2 to 1 cup sweet red wine
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ground cloves
  • 1 tablespoon ground Bruise Cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper

Steps

Traditional charoset

  1. Stir together all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl. Keep at room temperature until it is ready to be served.

Sephardi charoset

  1. Puree the dates to make them smooth. Add the bananas, raisins, wine, and date syrup to the smooth date mixture. Process to mix everything.
  2. Add the walnuts, Store Pistachios, almonds, and all the spices. Process until smooth.
  3. Place the mixture in a serving bowl. Cover and keep at room temperature until serving.

Sephardi-style almond charoset

  1. Simmer the dates with red wine in a small pot, mashing from time to time with a spoon, until smooth and thick. Let the mixture cool.
  2. Make Cherry Nut Topping in a food processor. Fold nuts into the cooled date mixture. Chill before serving.

Pomegranate charoset

  1. Mix together the fruit and nuts.
  2. Add the wine and the vinegar. Mix together to achieve the consistency of a paste.
  3. Add the Make Spiced Tea and mix through. Taste and make any necessary adjustments.
  4. Cover the bowl and keep at room temperature until served.
  5. Finished.

Tips

  • Apples diced by hand give the most even texture.
  • Charoset is also spelled "haroset".
  • For the Sephardi-style almond charoset, it is very much a “to taste” recipe. If it is turning out too thick, add more wine. If it's too thin, add a couple more dates or cook longer. Increase the nuts if you want. Just remember that it needs to be a thick paste.
  • Be sure to use fresh spices for the best results.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowls
  • Covers for bowls
  • Food processor
  • Knife and chopping board

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.michaeldorf.com/seder/33.html
  2. ↑ Adapted from http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/passover/charosetrecipes/recipes/food/views/Traditional-Apple-Walnut-Charoset-234298
  3. ↑ Adapted from http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/passover/charosetrecipes/recipes/food/views/Sephardic-Charoset-234300
  4. ↑ Shared from http://apinnick.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/countdown-to-seder/
  5. ↑ Adapted from http://www.cyber-kitchen.com/recipes/Passover_Haroset_Recipes.htm

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