Description
This Traditional Apple-Walnut Charoset is a sweet, crunchy, and authentic Passover treat combining crisp apples, toasted walnuts, sweet red wine, and warming spices. Easy to make and deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, it offers a perfectly balanced harmony of textures and flavors, ideal as a Seder plate staple or a unique addition to your Passover celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Ingredients
- 3 crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), washed, cored, peeled (optional), and finely chopped or grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: 1/4 cup dates or raisins for added chewiness and sweetness
Nuts
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted (or substitute pecans or almonds)
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 1/4 cup sweet red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste; maple syrup for vegan option)
Spices
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or allspice for variation
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and peel the apples if you prefer a softer texture. Then finely chop or grate them to integrate better. Immediately toss the apples with lemon juice to prevent browning as you prepare other ingredients.
- Toast and Chop the Walnuts: Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Once cooled, chop the toasted walnuts into smaller pieces to add crunch to the charoset.
- Combine and Season: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped apples and walnuts. Drizzle in the sweet red wine and honey or maple syrup if using. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and any additional spices like nutmeg or allspice if desired. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and combined.
- Let It Rest: Cover the charoset and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This resting time allows the spices and wine to infuse the fruit and nuts, melding the flavors and textures beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples for the best texture and flavor.
- Toast walnuts lightly until aromatic to enhance their flavor without adding bitterness.
- Adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup according to the tartness of your apples and wine.
- Chop the apples and nuts evenly to ensure balanced bites every time.
- Refrigerate before serving to allow flavors to develop properly.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or omit sweeteners.
- Try adding dried fruits like dates or raisins for extra sweetness and chewiness.
- If allergic to nuts, consider substituting walnuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds (note this changes traditional texture).
- Serve cold or at room temperature; reheating is not recommended.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing is possible but may affect texture; if freezing, use a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking (toasting nuts on stovetop)
- Cuisine: Jewish, Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Passover, Charoset, Apple, Walnut, Traditional Jewish Recipe, Seder, Gluten Free, Vegan option