Charoset (prounounced ha-ROH-ses, or ha-ROH-set) is a delicious mixture of chopped nuts, apples and sweet red wine, and is one of the most well-known symbols of Passover Seder. As one of the six items on a traditional Passover plate, charoset represents the mud and mortar that Hebrew slaves used during their time spent in service to the Egyptians. During the Passover Seder ceremony, charoset is combined with marror (a combination of bittersweet spices such as horseradish) and spread over matzo to create what is called a Hillel sandwich.
Charoset Recipe Variations
Each family has their own specific Passover charoset recipe, which is determined by geography, food preferences and history. Traditionally charoset recipes include only a mixture of nuts, apples and kosher wine, but many variations abound, including ones that add spices, fruits and sweeteners. There is no one charoset recipe that is agreed upon universally; if anything, the variations are part of the Passover Seder discussion.
Apple Walnut Charoset Recipe
The apples take center stage in this basic charoset recipe. Gala and Fuji apples are highly recommended because of their crispness when eaten uncooked, and their sweet mildness that compliments the other flavors in the ingredient list.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced
- 1 1/2 c walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 c sweet kosher red wine
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tb brown sugar, packed
Directions:
- In a large bowl, stir together all of the ingredients until well combined.
- Cover bowl. Leave at room temperature until ready to serve.
Honey Ginger Charoset Recipe
The addition of ginger takes a standard charoset recipe and turns it into something a bit spicier and more middle eastern than the previous suggestion. Any nuts can be used, although almonds and/or walnuts are highly recommended. Try varying the taste even more with a unique honey varietal, maybe one that has another layer of sweetness to it like a blueberry or orange blossom honey.
Ingredients:
- 3 unpeeled apples, peeled, cored and diced
- 1 c mixed nuts, coarsely chopped
- 3 tb sweet kosher red wine
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- honey to taste
Directions:
- Mix together all ingredients except the honey in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with honey to taste.
- Cover bowl, and leave charoset at room temperature until ready to serve.
Tart and Sweet Charoset Recipe
Because this charoset recipe is specifically a combination of tart and sweet, a nice Ida Red apple or Granny Smith would be a superb addition. Or, try different citrus zests to see if there's one that is more appealing in the mix than another.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 c each pitted dates, dried figs and dried apricots
- 1/4 c dark raisins
- 1/2 c almonds
- 1 apple, peeled and cored
- Grated zest from half an orange
- 1/4 c sweet kosher wine
Directions:
- Place dried fruits and dates into food processor and pulse until very finely chopped.
- Add nuts, apple and orange zest until the mixture resembles a paste-like consistency.
- Drizzle wine over top of Charoset mixture until it reaches the desired consistency, which is traditionally clay-like.
Bonny Albo - Bonny offers 20 years of writing experience to her readers. CNN, MSNBC, The LA Times and Macleans all reference her for expert advice.
