If there’s one dish that never fails to bring a taste of tradition, sweetness, and nostalgia to the Passover table, it’s Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover). This vibrant, textured spread brings together crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, warming spices, and the gentle kiss of sweet wine or grape juice—each bite a reminder of history and celebration. Whether it’s nestled atop matzo or enjoyed by the spoonful, Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover) is a recipe that’s simple to make but packed with meaningful flavor, and is bound to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Apples:
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Gala or Fuji)
Walnuts:
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
Wine or Grape Juice:
- 1/2 cup sweet red wine (such as Manischewitz) or grape juice
Honey:
- 1 tablespoon honey
Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
How to Make Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover)
Step 1: Chop the Fruit and Nuts
Start by peeling and finely chopping your apples and walnuts. You want everything to be in small, even pieces—think about the size of raisins. This gives the finished Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover) a beautiful texture, where every spoonful is a perfect balance of fruit and nut. For a rustic feel, chop by hand, or pulse gently in a food processor if you’re short on time or prefer a finer texture.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Place your prepared apples and walnuts into a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle over the sweet red wine or grape juice, then add the honey, cinnamon, and ground cloves if you’re using them. These aromatics wake up the fruit and nuts, turning a simple mix into something heady and downright tempting.
Step 3: Mix Well
Stir everything together thoroughly with a large spoon. You want every bit coated in that luscious, spiced wine and honey mixture. At this point, take a moment to inhale—it already smells incredible! If you’d like a smoother Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover), you can pulse the mixture a few times in a food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl and let the Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover) sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or pop it in the fridge if you prefer it chilled. This short rest gives the apples a chance to soak up the wine and spices, while the flavors marry for a more cohesive, celebratory taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Give the mixture one last stir before serving. Scoop it into a pretty bowl, set it out with matzo, and watch as it quickly disappears. Whether enjoyed during the Seder or as a snack throughout Passover, every spoonful is sweet, crunchy, and irresistible.
How to Serve Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover)
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way—try scattering a few extra chopped walnuts or a sprinkling of cinnamon right before serving. If you have them, some fresh apple slices fanned out atop the bowl add an inviting touch and burst of color.
Side Dishes
Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover) is a natural partner for matzo, but don’t stop there. Offer it alongside savory kugel, roast chicken, or even atop roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet-savory play that will wow your table. Its freshness complements just about everything on the Seder plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, serve Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover) in individual cups or on little matzo crisps for a festive appetizer. You can even layer it in mini mason jars for a charming grab-and-go option, or scoop it inside hollowed-out apples for a dramatic, edible centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Charoset keeps beautifully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen and improve as they mingle, making it even tastier on day two.
Freezing
While Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover) is best fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Place the mixture in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of room at the top. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving—just know the texture may be a touch softer after freezing.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s straight from the fridge, just give it a quick stir to freshen it up. Let it sit out for a few minutes prior to serving if you prefer a softer texture.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, or even hazelnuts make fun and tasty swaps for walnuts. Just chop them finely for the best texture. This is a great way to accommodate nut allergies or just to try a new twist.
Is it possible to make Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover) without wine?
Yes, you can substitute grape juice for wine with delicious results. It keeps things sweet and traditional without any alcohol, making it kid-friendly and great for everyone at your Seder table.
Can I add other fruits to Charoset?
Definitely! Chopped pears, dates, or even plump raisins can be stirred in for added sweetness and a touch of variety. Some families love mixing different fruits for a more complex flavor profile.
What type Side Dish
Crisp, slightly sweet apples like Gala or Fuji are ideal. They hold their shape and add a nice tartness that balances the rest of the ingredients. Feel free to mix apple varieties for more depth of flavor and color.
Can I prepare Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover) in advance?
Yes, in fact it’s encouraged! Making Charoset a day before allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Store in the fridge, then bring to room temperature and stir before serving for the best texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover) has held a place of honor at the table for generations—it’s sweet, it’s soothing, and it carries so much tradition in every spoonful. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a cherished part of your own celebrations. Happy Passover, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Charoset (A Sweet Apple and Nut Mixture for Passover) Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Charoset is a traditional sweet apple and nut mixture served during Passover. This recipe combines the flavors of chopped apples, walnuts, sweet wine, honey, and warm spices to create a delicious and symbolic dish.
Ingredients
Apples:
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Gala or Fuji)
Walnuts:
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
Wine or Grape Juice:
- 1/2 cup sweet red wine (such as Manischewitz) or grape juice
Honey:
- 1 tablespoon honey
Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Apples and Walnuts: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped apples and walnuts together.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Stir in the wine or grape juice, honey, cinnamon, and cloves (if using).
- Combine Well: Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Allow to Rest: Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the charoset at room temperature or chilled, either as part of the Passover Seder or as a sweet spread.
Notes
- Charoset can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Stir before serving.
- For a smoother texture, pulse ingredients in a food processor.
- Variations: Try making charoset with pears, raisins, or dates for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
