Hi there, I’m Jamal Kassab, a professional musician and passionate foodie from Lebanon, now living in Los Angeles. Growing up in Beirut, charoset was always a staple at our family’s Passover dinner. My mom would make it with apples and walnuts, and it was always a highlight of the meal. When I moved to the US, I was introduced to the concept of adding dried fruits to the recipe, which I loved. I’ve been experimenting with different variations of charoset ever since, and I’m excited to share my favorite recipe with you all.
Jamal is a professional musician and a passionate traveler. He was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, and grew up surrounded by the flavors and aromas of the Mediterranean cuisine. He moved to the United States to pursue his music career and has been living in Los Angeles for the past 10 years. Jamal loves to experiment with food and combines his Middle Eastern heritage with the local Californian produce to create unique and flavorful dishes.
Jamal currently resides in the United States and grew up in Lebanon.
Charoset is a traditional Jewish dish that is eaten during Passover. It symbolizes the mortar that the Israelites used to build the pyramids in Egypt. The ingredients of charoset vary depending on the region, but they usually include apples, nuts, wine, and spices. There are many interesting stories and anecdotes about the origins of charoset. For example, some people believe that the Babylonian version of charoset was made with dates, while the Israeli version used figs. In Spain, charoset was made with almonds and oranges. It’s fascinating to see how different cultures put their own spin on this ancient dish.
Charoset is not only a delicious dessert, but it also has important cultural and historical significance. As we celebrate Passover in early April, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the story of the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom. Charoset reminds us of the hardships that our ancestors faced and the resilience they showed. It’s also a reminder of the importance of community and tradition. In a time when many of us are feeling disconnected and isolated, sharing a meal with loved ones and passing down family recipes can bring us closer together and provide a sense of belonging.
What you need
This charoset recipe with dried fruits is a fantastic twist on the traditional Passover dessert. The mixture of sweet red wine, crunchy walnuts, and chewy dried figs and apricots creates a complex and delicious flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing. To make this dish, first, we prepare the ingredients by chopping the apples, figs, dates, and walnuts, and adding the spices. Then, we blend everything together in a food processor or chop it by hand, add sweet red wine, and let the flavors meld together. This dish is perfect for sharing with loved ones at your Passover Seder, or as a sweet and healthy snack any time of the year. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!
Ingredients:
- Red apple – Gives the charoset its classic flavor and texture.
- Golden raisins – Adds a chewy texture and extra sweetness to the charoset.
- Dried figs – Adds a rich and nutty flavor to the charoset. Can be substituted with dried apricots or dates.
- Dried apricots – Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the charoset. Can be substituted with dried figs or dates.
- Pitted dates – Adds a caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture to the charoset. Can be substituted with dried figs or apricots.
- Walnuts – Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the charoset. Can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Sweet red wine – Adds a fruity and complex flavor to the charoset. Can be substituted with grape juice.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the charoset.
- Ground ginger – Adds a subtle spiciness and depth of flavor to the charoset.
- Kosher salt – Balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients and enhances the flavors of the charoset.
Utensils:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Food processor or blender – Optional. Can be replaced with a mortar and pestle or chopped by hand.
- Serving dish or bowl
Dried Figs
Dried figs are one of my favorite ingredients to use in Middle Eastern cuisine. They have a rich and nutty flavor that pairs well with savory and sweet dishes alike. Figs are also packed with nutrients like fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. In this charoset recipe, dried figs add a touch of sweetness and a unique depth of flavor that sets it apart from traditional charoset made with only apples and nuts. I also love that they add a chewy texture to the dish that contrasts nicely with the crunchy walnuts. Fun fact: figs were a symbol of peace and prosperity in ancient Greece and Rome, and were often given as gifts to dignitaries.
Sweet Red Wine
Sweet red wine is an essential ingredient in charoset, as it adds a fruity and complex flavor to the dish. I love using a good quality wine that has hints of berries, plums, and spice. In this recipe, the wine helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a touch of acidity that balances out the sweetness of the dried fruits. While drinking too much alcohol is not healthy, incorporating a small amount into a recipe like this can have health benefits such as improving digestion and reducing inflammation. In addition to its culinary uses, wine has played an important role in religious and cultural traditions for centuries. As someone who appreciates both the history and the taste of wine, using it in charoset is a meaningful and delicious way to connect with my heritage.
What to serve it with?
I love serving this charoset with a variety of dishes. At my family’s Passover Seder, we typically serve it as a dessert alongside matzo and a cup of sweet red wine. The contrast between the crunchy matzo and the smooth and sweet charoset is heavenly. I also like to serve it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast, or as a snack with crackers or pita chips. The sweetness of the dried fruits and the warm spices make it a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal. Additionally, since this recipe is vegan and gluten-free, it’s a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions. Overall, charoset with dried fruits is a flavorful and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed in many ways, and is sure to become a new family favorite!
Summary
And there you have it, folks – my take on a classic Passover dessert, charoset with dried fruits! I hope you enjoyed learning about the ingredients and steps involved in making this delicious and healthy dish. Now, it’s your turn to try it out and let me know what you think! If you have any questions or suggestions for variations, feel free to leave a comment below. I always love hearing from my fellow foodies and trying out new twists on old favorites.
One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. While I enjoy it as a dessert with matzo and wine, it can also be served as a breakfast topping or snack with crackers or chips. So, my call to action for you today is this – get creative with your serving suggestions! Experiment with different ways to enjoy this flavorful and nutritious dish, and let me know how it turns out. Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Charoset with Dried Fruits – A Twist on a Classic Passover Dessert
Equipment
- cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- wooden spoon
- Food processor or blender
- Serving dish or bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Red apple
- 1 cup Golden raisins
- 1 cup Dried figs
- 1 cup Dried apricots
- 1 cup Pitted dates
- 1 cup Walnuts
- 1/4 cup Sweet red wine
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
- Serve and enjoy! – Transfer the charoset to a serving dish or bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a cinnamon stick. Serve at room temperature as a delicious and symbolic dessert at your Passover Seder.
