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Charoset, also known as haroset, is a mixture of fruits and nuts eaten at the Passover Seder. Traditional Charoset is easy to make, and it’s one of those fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants recipes, as you adjust as you go! This traditional haroset recipe is naturally gluten-free of course, and is a yummy, sweet condiment.
Traditional Charoset
Growing up, haroset was a childhood staple at our holiday. We’d make a batch as a condiment of sorts for our Passover sedar plate, and end up eating it for days on Matzo (now gluten-free matzo), or just as a yummy side by the spoonful! Since we always ended up enjoying it for days, we always made a bigger batch! You can always scale this down of course.
Traditional Charoset is made of…
- Diced apples
- Chopped walnuts
- Red wine
- Cinnamon
- And a few fun choices you can add in optionally
How long can you keep charoset?
Haroset without wine
You can use grape juice if you don’t want to use a sweet wine! Kedem was always the favorite growing up! Though, I haven’t checked those ingredients probably ever!
Okay, the answer I know you’ve been waiting for…
Haroset pronunciation
- In Israel the spelling and pronunciation is “charoset,” with a more guttural “ch” sound.
- The other pronunciation is a softer Ashkenazic “h” sound.
Want other Passover recipes? Try these family favorites:
- Matzo Lasagna
- Matzo Bark
- Nanny’s Sweet & Sour Meatballs
- Coconut Macaroons
- Classic Chicken Soup (Slow Cooker & Instant Pot)
Traditional Charoset (for Passover!)
Ingredients
- 6 apples finely diced
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon more as desired
- 1/3 cup red wine more as desired
- 1-1/2 cup walnuts finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Honey Maple Syrup, or Coconut Sugar (optional)
- 1/4 cup Chopped dates or 1/4 cup Raisins optional
Instructions
- In large bowl, stir together all ingredients. Store, covered, at room temperature until ready to serve. If making it early, store covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- I like to make ours the day before and store in the refrigerator.
- You can toast the walnuts if desired, but I never do!
- We don't recommend using a food processor to dice your apples, simply use a knife and cut them up small.
I made this recipe with three ingredients, apples, kosher Cabernet red wine and walnuts. I made half. It is good.
I made this for our Seder this evening. For reason I thought it had pears. I used for apple, three pears, walnuts, cinnamon, a dab of maple syrup, lemon juice and a splash of wine. It’s yummy!
Is there anything I can substitute for the red wine as we don’t use alcoholic beverages? I have red wine vinegar. Would that work?
Pomegranate juice has an amazing sweet-tart flavor that makes for an excellent wine substitute.
Sounds delicious, Lexi. I wonder if, apart from the historical reference to the memory of apple trees in Egypt, one could enrich the fruit with three apples and three apricots or nectarines which might also go well with the walnuts and dates. I lived 32 years in Madrid and Spaniards use almonds for their turrón which is somewhat like Egyptian halwa. I cook poems in Spanish & English and translations.
Best, Louis
Great recipe! I’ve used it for the first time for tonight’s sedar. No nuts 🙁 as I’m Ashkenazi but it smells so yummy even without.
I made this yesterday for Passover and it was awesome! Loved the addition of dates. We did not use any sugar/sweetener and it didn’t need it. My dad said this was the best charoset he’s ever had. Definitely will be making this again!
I could eat Charoset year-round!
Excellant!
Thank you! Enjoy!
Awesome recipe, will definitely try this one when I get home.