The Best Homemade Charoset Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade charoset recipe is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that’s perfect for any Passover table. Packed with simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. You’ll love how the apples and nuts create a satisfying crunch, while the honey and cinnamon add just the right touch of sweetness. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with matzo or can be enjoyed on its own. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the texture and flavor to suit your taste perfectly!
Recipe
Charoset is a traditional dish served during Passover, symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelites in Egypt. This sweet and flavorful mixture is made with simple ingredients and is a staple on the Seder plate.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup sweet red wine (such as Manischewitz)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples and walnuts.
- Add the sweet red wine, ground cinnamon, and honey.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes:
- For a nut-free version, substitute walnuts with raisins or omit entirely.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste.
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
Jewish
Serving:
6-8 servings
Nutrition
Charoset is a traditional dish made during Passover, consisting of fruits, nuts, and wine. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
What To Serve With It
Charoset is a great addition to your Passover Seder plate, adding a sweet and symbolic touch to the meal. I like pairing it with matzo or crackers, as they balance the texture and flavor perfectly. You can also get creative and try serving it with fresh apple slices for an invigorating twist.
Passover Seder Plates
When it comes to setting up a Passover Seder plate, it’s not just about what you’re serving, but the meaning behind each item. The plate holds six symbolic foods: maror (bitter herbs) for the bitterness of slavery, zeroa (a shank bone) representing the Passover sacrifice, charoset (like homemade apple-walnut) for the mortar used by enslaved Israelites, karpas (parsley or celery) dipped in saltwater for tears shed, beitzah (a roasted egg) symbolizing mourning, and chazeret (additional bitter herbs). Each element tells a story, connecting us to our ancestors. I always feel a deep sense of history and gratitude as I arrange these pieces.
Crackers and Matzo
While the Seder plate holds deep symbolism, the rest of the meal calls for simple, satisfying staples like matzo and crackers. Matzo, the unleavened bread, is a must-have during Passover, and its crisp texture pairs perfectly with the sweet, chunky charoset. I love how it balances the flavors, giving each bite a hint of crunch. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll use whole wheat matzo for a nuttier taste. Crackers, especially plain or lightly salted ones, work great too, adding variety without overpowering the charoset’s richness. Together, they make the meal feel complete, connecting tradition and comfort in every bite.
