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What is Charoset? The word comes from the Hebrew word cheres, which translates to “clay”, fitting for the dish, which is a thick, dark-colored paste that resembles mortar. The Recipe is a fruit and nut mixture made with apples, figs, spices, walnuts, and dates. As a result of combining a lot of chunky ingredients with “mushy” ingredients, the texture resembles the mortar used by the Jews while enslaved in ancient Egypt. Its sweetness hints at a sweeter, slavery-free future. Charoset represents only part of the story told by the Seder Plate. It is used to symbolize the mortar (or clay) that the slaves in Egypt used to make bricks.
The traditional Ashkenazi charoset recipe often includes apples and walnuts, emphasizing the familial and cultural significance of the dish during Passover.
Fresh-made charoset for Passover Seder
Charoset isn’t pretty. My mother often tried to make it look like something out of Martha Stewart’s kitchen, but that just isn’t realistic. It’s designed to be messy, like something found on a construction site. I’m normally fussy over the presentation of our meals. This is really the one exception. The meaning behind the meal, and the symbolism, are beautiful enough.
What is Charoset?
Charoset is a traditional Jewish condiment made from a delightful mixture of fruits, nuts, and spices. It holds a special place on the Passover Seder plate, symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelites to bond bricks during their enslavement in Egypt. The Hebrew word “charoset” translates to “clay,” reflecting its symbolic representation. Typically, charoset is crafted with a combination of sweet and tart apples, nuts, and spices, often sweetened with honey or brown sugar. This blend not only tastes delicious but also carries deep cultural and historical significance, making it an essential part of the Passover celebration.
What does Charoset symbolize?
Charoset is an ancient dish, with origins dating back to the antiquity of Greece. Traditionally made from pounded nuts, fruit, and honey that were available in the desert, the sweetness is something to savor. Every recipe for Charoset is a little different. Families pass on their unique recipe to future generations or someone along the way decides to add something new one year and it sticks. Ashkenazi charoset often includes apples and walnuts. Sephardic charoset typically features dried fruits and nuts, making it more paste-like. The Charoset Recipe is as much a Passover symbol as it is a symbol of the family who has been making it over the decades. Incorporating a mix of sweet apples and tart apples can enhance the flavor and texture of the charoset.
Mix up your family recipe by using your favorite Eastern Shore Honey. In this recipe, honey alters the flavor of the dish. Darker honey adds richness while lighter honey adds minimal flavor to Charoset. Charoset can be made with grape juice instead of wine. Sweet red wine is often used to balance the tartness of the apples and the richness of the walnuts, making it an essential component of the traditional recipe. Did you know that all of our Eastern Shore Honeys are kosher, but not designated “Kosher for Passover”? If you are keeping true to kosher for Passover, you must purchase foods that are “Kosher for Passover” approved.
How to Make Passover Charoset for Seder
- Remove pits from dates and soak in hot water to soften and chop into small pieces.
- Toast walnuts in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned (about 5 minutes). Remove the walnuts from heat and cool.
- Chop walnuts into small pieces. Do you know how to chop nuts without a nut grinder? Place whole toasted nuts in a plastic bag, close the bag, and pound on the outside of the bag with the end of a butter knife. The heavier the handle, the easier.
- For even texture dice the apples by hand. If you use a food processor, do not over-process. Pour lemon juice on top of apples, (lemon contains citric acid and is a natural food preservative).
- Mix the chopped apples, walnuts, and dates into a large bowl.
- For a unique flavor profile, consider using Macintosh apples, which are commonly used in traditional charoset recipes.
- Mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar; sprinkle over the apple mixture.
- Stir in the honey and sweet wine.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container until serving. Charoset can be made ahead of time and tastes better when allowed to sit. Charoset can be stored covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days before serving. Leftovers of charoset can last up to a week in the fridge.
- Store leftover charoset in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This lovely Passover Seder Plate can be customized by Words With Boards
Modern Variations of Charoset
While traditional charoset recipes remain beloved, modern variations have added exciting twists to this classic dish. For instance, using different types of apples like Honey Crisp or Macintosh can create a unique flavor profile. A splash of lemon juice or a hint of orange zest can give the charoset a tangy twist, while pomegranate juice or grape juice can be used instead of sweet wine for a non-alcoholic version. Adding a drizzle of maple syrup can enhance the sweetness, and using a food processor to chop the nuts and apples can result in a smoother texture. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also create a distinctive flavor, making each charoset recipe a personal and flavorful experience.
Ashkenazi vs. Sephardic Charoset
Charoset comes in two main varieties: Ashkenazi and Sephardic, each with its unique ingredients and textures. Ashkenazi charoset typically features a mixture of apples, nuts, and spices, sweetened with honey or brown sugar. This version is often chunkier and has a delightful crunch. On the other hand, Sephardic charoset is usually made with dates, nuts, and spices, resulting in a sweeter and thicker paste. While both types are delicious, Ashkenazi charoset is more commonly used in Passover recipes. Each variation not only adds a unique taste to the Seder plate but also reflects the diverse cultural traditions within the Jewish community.
What is a Seder Plate?
The Passover Seder Plate is a special plate full of symbolism. The six items arranged on the plate signify the story of Passover. Charoset represents only part of the story of Passover on the Seder Plate.
Each food on the Seder Plate is symbolic of a different aspect of Passover. The boiled egg and shank bone symbolize the sacrifices associated with the Passover holiday. Bitter herbs represent the bitterness of slavery in Egypt; the parsley or celery accompanied by saltwater represents the start of spring, and also the tears shed by the Jews as slaves. Charoset represents the mortar that the Israelites used to bond bricks when they were kept as slaves in Egypt.
Depending on who you ask, each part of the Sedar Plate tells the story of Passover.
Traditionally the Passover Sedar dinner begins at sunset, the evening before the first day of the holiday. The Passover meal is very long, it doesn't end until after midnight or later, depending on the family tradition.
Millie Mae, the youngest of the household at six months, practiced the four questions while I made Charoset
What ingredients are removed from the diet in observance of Passover?
For those of you who do not observe Passover, we can tell you that preparing the home for Passover is quite a challenge. All leavened bread and foods that are deemed not kosher for Passover are removed from the home.
Following is a short-list of ingredients that are removed from the diet and also the home for Passover:
- Wheat
- Oats
- Rye
- Barley
- Spelt
- Rice
- Corn
- Millet
- Dried beans and lentils
- Peas
- Green Beans
- Soybeans
- Peanuts
- Sesame Seeds
- Poppy Seeds
- Mustard
Our Passover dinner
Walnuts for Passover Charoset and handmade Matzah
