Whichever version you choose will yield a sweet, nutty spread that’s delicious on top of matzo! You can’t go wrong!
The Meaning of Charoset for Passover Seder
Charoset is traditionally served as part of the Passover Seder. Seder means “order” in Hebrew, referring to the specific order in which we perform the rituals and readings of the Passover meal. When it comes time to enjoy the charoset, it’s eaten spread on matzo by itself, or sandwiched between two pieces of matzo along with a layer of horseradish. That’s the classic Hillel Sandwich (it originally contained lamb, too, but in modern times we just include horseradish and charoset). Charoset on matzo is meant to symbolize the mortar between the stones of the pyramids in Egypt.
My Favorite Charoset Recipe
My recipe is a mashup of Ashkenazi and Sephardic styles. I love how the paste-like, Sephardic-style charoset is bound with sticky-sweet dates to truly resemble the mortar it is meant to symbolize. Ashkenazi-style charoset, on the other hand, tends to be a looser mixture of chopped apples and nuts, sweetened with a glug or two of concord grape juice or Manischewitz wine. With this recipe, you get the best of both worlds. The mixture sticks together and won’t fall off your matzo cracker, but there are juicy chunks of diced apple throughout to add crunch and offset the sweetness of the dates. I use orange juice instead of wine, which adds a little bit of tanginess and is kid-friendly, too. Oh, and oranges are a modern Passover symbol, meant to acknowledge those who feel marginalized in the Jewish community.
Make-Ahead Charoset
If you make charoset ahead of time, the flavors will have a chance to meld and mellow. It keeps for up to two days in the fridge. Just before serving, you can add a little more juice or a little more spice, to taste.
How to Buy Dates
When buying dates, look for fresh ones—they should be dark brown, soft, and heavy for their size. If you are only able to find drier dates, you can soften them by letting them soak for five minutes in hot water. Drain the dates before proceeding with the recipe.
Make This Recipe Your Own!
You can also use this recipe as a template and get creative. Add some orange zest, swap in different chopped nuts (almonds and pecans are commonly used), or throw in a handful of raisins. Leave out the dates for a more Ashkenazi-style charoset, or process the apples with the dates to get a more pasty, Sephardic-style spread. Oh, and feel free to add some Manischewitz if you just can’t imagine charoset without it! For more information on which apple varieties are best for baking, check out our Guide to Apples.
More Favorite Passover Recipes
Deviled Eggs with Horseradish and Dill Coconut Macaroons Matzo Ball Soup Pressure Cooker Beef Brisket Matzo Brie
