ASHKENAZI CHAROSET
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Charoset is a traditional sweet relish served at Passover Seders. Made with apples, nuts, wine, and spices, it goes perfectly well with the matzo crackers. The recipes for making it are as varied as the Jewish diaspora; this one is the traditional Ashkenazi Charoset.
Charoset (pronounced Kha-row-set) is one of the most beloved Jewish dishes that close the Passover ceremony and begins the feast. The crunchiness of the apples and nutty flavor of the walnuts combined with the sweetness of the warm spices makes it an ideal fruit relish. Although I don't belong to the tribe, I enjoy this Charoset with tortilla chips or crackers.
If you have not eaten this before, there is no need to wait until Passover or until your Jewish friends invite you to a Seder to enjoy this charoset, make it anytime you like!
WHAT IS SEDER?
The Seder is a ritual feast that marks the first day of the Jewish holidays of Passover. It is centered around the retelling of the Biblical story of the Jewish people being freed from slavery in Egypt. Families gather around the table and enjoy a meal while honoring Jewish prayers, history, and traditions.
WHAT DOES A SEDER PLATE LOOK LIKE?
A typical Seder plate consists of eight main food items, each bearing significance to the history. A roasted shank bone representing sacrifice, egg representing the circle of life, bitter herbs representing the bitterness of slavery, charoset representing the mortar used by the Jews in Egypt, karpas (or greens, often parsley) representing sweet spring. There are also three pieces of matzo crackers representing the bread the Israelites took with them when they fled Egypt, and salt water representing the tears of the slaves. Finally, there is a glass of wine.
WHAT IS A CHAROSET?
Charoset (pronounced har-o-set) comes from the Hebrew word Cheres meaning clay. It is a sweet relish made with fruits, nuts, spices, as well as wine, and a binder such as honey. The sticky, granular mixture symbolizes the mortar that the Jews used as slaves in Egypt.
WHAT IS ASHKENAZI CHAROSET?
There is no single recipe for a Charoset. It represents the tale of the Jewish diaspora. Wherever the Jews settled, they made this traditional Seder dish with the local produce. So, as they moved along, the recipe kept changing. The Ashkenazi Charoset is the one made by the East-European Jews.
In Ashkenazi (Eastern European) households, apples are finely chopped and combined with cinnamon, chopped walnuts, and just the right amount of sweet wine to make a crunchy and juicy Ashkenazi Charoset that is different from the other muddy or paste-like varieties of Charoset.
INGREDIENTS
You will need the following to make the Charoset:
- Apple - You may use Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples for making the charoset. The apples have to be peeled, cored, and very finely chopped. You may use the food processor for chopping the apples or use your kitchen knife. Chopping by hand is recommended because it leads to the most even texture.
- Chopped walnuts - I like to lightly toast my walnuts and then chop them down coarsely.
- Manischewitz wine - The traditional recipe uses the Manischewitz Malaga but, you may substitute it with any Kosher sweet wine or even grape juice. I used grape juice for making the dish kid-friendly.
- Raw honey
- Spices - Spices enhance the flavor of the Charoset. I use cinnamon and a dash of clove and nutmeg.
- Brown sugar - This is optional; you may use it to sweeten the Charoset to your desired sweetness.
HOW TO MAKE IT?
This is probably the simplest recipe on my blog. But, don't let the simplicity fool you. It is very delicious and one of my favorite way of eating apples.
Making Charoset is the easiest! In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients. Store covered until ready to serve.
VARIATIONS AROUND THE WORLD
There are many variations to the Charoset as I mentioned above.
Candied Walnut Charoset - This is a variation on the traditional Ashkenazi charoset. You have to deep fry the walnuts and coat them with sugar before using it in the Charoset. The candied nuts stay crispier in the final product and have a pleasant, toasty flavor.
Sephardic Charoset - This Charoset looks just like mortar because it is pureed. Instead of apples, this recipe has bananas, raisins, wine, dates, and nuts. Spices like cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves are used for flavoring.
Israeli charoset - The recipe includes apples, several types of nuts, raisins, bananas, and a splash of orange juice.
Italian Charoset - The Italian version uses orange, chestnuts, apricots, apples, dates, walnuts, bananas, and spices.
Fig Charoset - This one uses Figs, onions, and pine nuts instead of apples.
Apricot Charoset - This one uses apricots, pistachios, lemon juice, mint, and saffron.
Orange-Ginger Charoset - This uses oranges, ginger, almonds, and honey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can you make Charoset ahead of time?
Yes! you can make it the night before or a couple of days ahead. In my opinion, it tastes even better as it sits. This helps soak up all the added flavors and reduces the strong wine flavor (if using wine).
Is the Charoset sweet?
Yes, the charoset is generally sweet. You may, however, vary the level of sweetness as per your preference.
Does the charoset need to be refrigerated before serving?
The charoset must be refrigerated or allowed to sit for at least an hour for all the flavors to blend together.
What can I use instead of the traditionally used Manischewitz wine?
You may use ordinary red wine, Port in a pinch, sherry, or non-alcoholic drinks like cherry juice, pomegranate juice, grape juice, or orange juice.
Can I use a mix of different varieties of apples?
Yes, you can use different varieties of apples whether it is Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, McIntosh, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Traditionally Charoset is served on matzo crackers. Aside from being a ritualistic food item, you can also use it as a simple relish that goes well with pita chips or tortilla chips. you can put it in your sandwich too! It is also great on grilled fish or chicken, or as a condiment with cheese.
STORING SUGGESTIONS
Leftover charoset will last for about 2-3 days stored in the fridge. Store in an airtight container.
ASHKENAZI CHAROSET
Ingredients
- 2 apples cored, peeled, and chopped.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnut (lightly toasted)
- 4 tbsp red wine or grape juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- a dash of nutmeg
- brown sugar as needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients. Store covered until ready to serve.
Notes:
- You may use any variety of apple.
- You may use other nuts if you wish.
- The charoset must be refrigerated or allowed to sit for at least an hour for all the flavors to blend together.
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