Hey, Welcome back to Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, I’m excited to share with you my journey with Charoset, a dish that holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, Passover was always a cherished time for my family.
The house buzzed with activity as we prepared for the Seder night, and one of my favorite parts was making charoset with my Mother. She’d stand at the kitchen counter, chopping apples and nuts with skillful hands, while I eagerly helped mix in the sweet wine and cinnamon.
As we worked together, she’d share stories of our family’s traditions, passed down from generation to generation.
Now, as an adult, I carry on the tradition in my own home, making this with loved ones and sharing the stories that make it so meaningful.
Join me on this culinary journey as we explore different variations of charoset and celebrate the rich tapestry of tradition and flavours that make Passover so special. If you are one of them who likes Apple recipes you have to try Apple Crumb Cake and Whiskey Apple Cider Punch. Let’s get cooking.
What is Charoset?
Charoset is a delicious mixture of fruits, nuts, and sweet spices that Jewish people eat during Passover. It’s a symbol of the mortar used by Hebrew slaves in ancient Egypt.
Making it is like creating a special recipe that connects to history and tradition. People make it in different ways, depending on their family’s customs and where they come from.
Some use chopped apples, nuts like walnuts or almonds, sweet wine or grape juice, and spices like cinnamon. Others might add ingredients like dates, figs, or honey to make it sweeter or give it a different flavor.
It’s a tasty reminder of the sweetness of freedom and a way to honor the past while celebrating with loved ones during the holiday.
Charoset Recipe
Equipment
- Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Plastic Wrap
- Refrigerator for chilling the charoset
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized apples peeled and finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds
- 1 tbps ground cinnamon
- 4 tbps sweet red wine or grape juice
- 1 tbps honey optional, for extra sweetness
- Pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Start by peeling and finely chopping the apples. You can use a knife or a food processor for this step.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples and nuts.
- Add the ground cinnamon to the bowl and mix everything together.
- Pour in the sweet red wine or grape juice. If you prefer a sweeter charoset, you can also add a tablespoon of honey at this stage.
- Mix everything well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Once everything is mixed to your liking, cover the bowl and let the charoset chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve the charoset alongside matzo during your Passover Seder, and enjoy the delicious flavors and symbolism of this traditional dish.
Notes
Nutrition
What to do with Leftover?
- Spread it on Toast: Use leftover as a delicious spread on toast or crackers for a quick and satisfying snack or breakfast.
- Top Yogurt or Oatmeal: Add a dollop of to plain yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet and fruity twist. It adds a burst of flavor and texture to your morning meal.
- Mix into Salads: Incorporate into salads for an unexpected burst of sweetness and crunch. It pairs well with greens like spinach or kale, as well as savory ingredients like grilled chicken or goat cheese.
- Stuff into Baked Goods: Use leftover as a filling for pastries or baked goods. It adds a deliciously sweet and fruity flavor to recipes like turnovers, rugelach, or stuffed challah.
- Blend into Smoothies: Blend leftover into smoothies for a nutritious and flavorful boost. Combined with fruits like bananas, berries, or spinach, it creates a refreshing and satisfying drink.
- Mix into Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: Stir leftover into cottage cheese or ricotta for a quick and easy snack or dessert. The creamy texture of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and nutty flavors of it.
