Simple Charoset with Dates

What is Charoset?

Charoset is a traditional Jewish dish served during Passover. It’s a sweet mixture of apples, nuts, wine, and spices, symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelites when they were enslaved in Egypt.

What’s great about Charoset with Dates is that you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences by using different types of apples or adding other ingredients such as dried fruits or spices.

Looking for more Passover recipes to enjoy? Try my Horseradish for Passover with Beets, Mock Chopped Liver, Matzo Rolls, and Tzimmes.

Ingredients Overview 

*The full recipe is in the recipe card below!

Dates: Medjool dates because they are larger and juicer. 

Granny Smith apple: For that tart flavor that contrasts the sweet dates and wine. 

Sweet red wine: The wine can help enhance the sweetness of the dates while adding a rich, complex flavor. You can make Charoset without wine; just use grape juice or apple juice. 

Almonds and walnuts: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. 

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.

Charoset with Dates Variations and Add-ons: 

Add to the mixture before grinding: 

• Raisins
• Grated sweet apples: Red Delicious, Gala, Honey Crisp, and Fuji. 
• Pecans
• Spices: You can adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking. Some people like to add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and honey for extra flavor. 

Pro Tips

• Depending on your personal preference, you can make your Charoset smooth or chunky. If you like a smooth consistency, add more wine or grape juice. If you prefer a chunkier consistency, process the dates and nuts into larger pieces.
• Using a food processor to chop the dates and nuts will make the process much quicker and more efficient. Just be sure not to over-process the ingredients, as you want the Charoset to have some texture.
• Charoset tastes best when it has time to sit and allow the flavors to meld together. Make your Charoset a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

FAQs

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Simple Charoset with Dates

Author Rachel

Prep Time 8 minutes minutes

Yield 1.5 cups

Print Pin Recipe

Description

Absolutely delicious, bursting with flavor, and perfect for Passover!

Kosher, Pareve

Equipment

• Food processor
• Grater

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 Granny Smith apple peeled and grated thinly
• ▢ 20 units (200-300g) Medjool dates without the pits
• ▢ 1/3 cup (50g) raw almonds unsalted
• ▢ 1/3 cup (50g) raw walnuts unsalted
• ▢ 1/4 Teaspoon cinnamon
• ▢ 1/4 cup (60ml) sweet wine, like Manischewitz or grape juice/apple juice
• ▢ optional ground ginger, cloves, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions

• Put the grated apple, dates, almonds, walnuts, and cinnamon in a food processor.
• Pulse the mixture a few times until the nuts and dates are finely chopped, but not completely pureed.
• Add the sweet red wine or grape juice and pulse the mixture a few more times until everything is well combined and the mixture has a slightly chunky texture.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more cinnamon for flavorfulness.
• Transfer the Charoset to a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

• Depending on your personal preference, you can make your Charoset smooth or chunky. If you like a smooth consistency, you can add a little bit more wine or grape juice. If you prefer a chunkier consistency, process the dates and nuts into larger pieces.
• Using a food processor to chop the dates and nuts will make the process much quicker and more efficient. Just be sure not to over-process the ingredients, as you want the Charoset to have some texture.
• Charoset tastes best when it has time to sit and allow the flavors to meld together. Make your Charoset a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

Tried this recipe? Tag@mamalivingabroad