Description
Passover Charoset is a traditional sweet and tangy condiment symbolizing the mortar used by Hebrew slaves in Egypt. This fresh and vibrant recipe combines crisp apples, nuts, dried fruits, spices, and a splash of sweet red wine or grape juice to create a nourishing and customizable dish that brightens your Seder plate. Easy to prepare and loved by all ages, it adds festive warmth and cultural significance to your Passover celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 2–3 medium fresh apples (such as Gala or Granny Smith), washed, cored, and finely chopped or grated
- 1/2 cup dates or raisins, chopped
- Optional: pineapple or mango for a tropical twist (about 1/2 cup, chopped)
Nuts and Seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (lightly toasted if desired)
- For nut-free option: 1/2 cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds (toasted if desired)
Liquids
- 1/4 cup sweet red wine or grape juice (for vegan version)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to taste
Optional Extras
- 1/4 cup crushed matzah (for whole grain crunch, optional)
- Honey or additional dried fruits to adjust sweetness (if desired and if dietary restrictions allow)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits and Nuts: Wash and core the apples, then finely chop or grate them to your preferred consistency. Coarsely chop the walnuts or almonds (or seeds if nut-free option). Toasting nuts or seeds lightly enhances their flavor.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped apples, nuts or seeds, and dried fruits. Add the cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon juice to balance flavors and prevent browning.
- Add the Liquid: Pour in a splash of sweet red wine or grape juice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the Charoset for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold as a sweet complement to your Seder plate, optionally garnished with fresh parsley, mint, or a dash of cinnamon.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Gala or Granny Smith to maintain texture after mixing.
- Lightly toast nuts or seeds to bring out natural oils and deepen flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more dried fruits or a touch of honey if allowed.
- Mix ingredients gently but thoroughly to avoid mushiness.
- Prepare a day ahead to let flavors develop fully and harmonize.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; flavors improve with time.
- Freezing is not recommended with apples as it changes texture; if freezing, omit apples.
- Serve cold or at room temperature; reheating is not advised as it can alter texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Passover, Charoset, Seder plate, Jewish holiday, gluten free, vegan option, traditional recipe