Passover Charoset

As Passover approaches, there's a flurry of preparation in Jewish households, each dish bearing significance and symbolism. Among the array of traditional foods, charoset stands out for its sweet, nutty flavor and deep-rooted symbolism, representing the mortar used by the Israelites in their enslavement in Egypt. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the sweetness of ripe fruit with the crunch of walnuts and a hint of spice, creating a delicious accompaniment to matzo during the Passover Seder.

What is charoset

Charoset, haroset, haroseth or charoses is a sweet paste that is eaten during the Passover Seder. The color and texture of this delicious paste are meant to resemble mortar or mud that the Jews used when they were slaves in Egypt and built storehouses.

Every family has its own version of charoset and I am sharing my mom's recipe which is an Israeli-Ashkenazi version of charoset.

And here’s the thing, like most people I’m sure, when I asked my mom for the recipe, all she gave me was a list of ingredients without quantities and steps to follow. You just need to figure it out. When it’s a cake recipe she never bothers to write down what temperature to bake and for how long. And if you ask, all she says is "bake until its ready," okay, thanks, mom!

So I asked my mom for this chroset recipe because like many families, this year we are on our own. During world pandemic, most of us celebrated a small Passover Seder due to the lockdown. On top of it all, this is the first time I have ever needed to make chroset actually. I assume a lot of people were in my situation so I decided to share my family’s recipe after I figured out the quantities and method. Plus it's very easy to make and after you taste it, you might even wonder why don’t we eat it all year round?

Charoset ingredients

To make this chroset, you will need an apple, banana, walnuts, a few tablespoons of sweet wine and 2 spices (cinnamon and ginger). From what I read online, I learned that some families use dates or dates spread, some use raisins and other dried fruits. You get the general idea of this paste, sweet and fruity. About the ginger, my mom said it can be either the spice or grated ginger root. I used the spice because that is what I could get.

Because our Seder was small, I only made a small batch of this chroset, but I hope next year I can make much more and we will be able to celebrate with all the family. If you need a bigger batch, all you need to do is double the ingredients.

How to make charoset

To make the charoset, begin by mashing a ripe banana and blending it with cinnamon and ginger for a fragrant base. Next, grate a crisp apple into the mixture, infusing it with natural sweetness. Pour in a generous splash of red sweet wine. Finally, add chopped walnuts for a satisfying crunch, reminiscent of the mortar used by the Israelites. Mix everything together until well-combined, and serve this flavorful charoset alongside matzo during the Passover Seder, inviting all to partake in the tradition and celebration of freedom.

Passover charoset tips

Choose the Right Apples

Opt for a sweet, crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best flavor and texture in your charoset. I used a tart granny smith apple that works well in this specific recipe.

Banana Ripeness

Use a ripe banana for easier mashing and to add natural sweetness to the mixture.

Balancing Spices

Adjust the amounts of cinnamon and ginger to suit your taste preferences. Start with the recommended amounts and add more if desired.

Wine Selection

Select a red sweet wine that complements the sweetness of the fruit without overpowering it. Manischewitz is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with other options.

Consistency

Mash the banana well and grate the apple finely to achieve a smooth yet textured consistency in the charoset.

Nut Options

While walnuts are traditional, you can also use other nuts like almonds or pecans for variation or if allergies are a concern.

Make Ahead

Charoset often tastes even better when allowed to sit for a day or two in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together. Prepare it ahead of time to save on last-minute prep during the Seder.

Personalize

Feel free to add extra ingredients such as dried fruits like raisins or apricots, or a touch of honey for added sweetness, to customize your charoset to your liking.

FAQS

Other Passover recipes to try:

If you have any leftover charoset and wonder to do with it, I have a charoset cake recipe you should try! its so simple and delicious.

More Passover recipes:
Passover Rolls
Passover Chocolate Coconut Balls (non-dairy)
Maple Passover Cake
Homemade Marzipan
Vegetarian Chopped Liver

Make this Passover charoset

With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can prepare this homemade charoset, infusing your celebration with tradition and taste. Let's dive into making this delightful Passover treat.