Charoset, a sweet and savory paste traditionally served as part of the Jewish holiday meal Passover, has evolved over time to incorporate new flavors and ingredients. From classic combinations like apples and walnuts to innovative pairings like coconut and mango, there’s a charoset recipe out there for every taste. In this article, we’ll explore 18 modern twists on traditional charoset recipes, each with its own unique blend of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re looking to shake up your Passover menu or simply want to add some excitement to your holiday celebrations, these sweet and savory recipes are sure to delight. From fruit-based concoctions like spiced pear and almond charoset to nutty combinations like pomegranate and walnut, each recipe offers a delicious take on this beloved Jewish tradition.
In the following pages, we’ll delve into the world of modern charoset, featuring everything from classic Sephardic and Ashkenazi recipes to innovative creations that blend international flavors with traditional ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned charoset enthusiast or just looking for some new ideas to try at your next Passover seder, there’s something for everyone in this collection of sweet and savory charoset recipes.
Traditional Ashkenazi Charoset with Apples and Walnuts
Charoset is a sweet and savory condiment traditionally served at Passover seders to symbolize the mortar used by Jewish slaves in ancient Egypt. This recipe combines apples and walnuts for a delicious and authentic take on this classic dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chopped apples and walnuts.
2. In a small saucepan, combine honey, sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the warm mixture over the apple-walnut mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Let the charoset cool to room temperature before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Sephardic Date and Fig Charoset with Pistachios
This traditional Sephardic charoset recipe combines the sweetness of dates and figs with the crunch of pistachios, creating a delicious and symbolic addition to any Passover seder.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chopped fresh dates
– 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine chopped dates and figs.
2. Add honey, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in chopped pistachios.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None required – this charoset is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Spiced Pear and Almond Charoset
This sweet and savory charoset is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, blending the warmth of spices with the crunch of almonds and the tender sweetness of pears.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine pears, almonds, honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Coconut and Mango Tropical Charoset
This sweet and tangy charoset recipe combines the creamy richness of coconut with the juicy sweetness of mango, perfect for a tropical twist on traditional charoset.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chopped dried dates
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mango
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine chopped dates and unsweetened shredded coconut.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until warm.
3. Add the chopped mango, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt to the saucepan with the warmed honey.
4. Stir the mixture until the mango is well coated with the honey mixture.
5. Pour the mango-honey mixture over the date-coconut mixture in the bowl.
6. Toss gently to combine.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Pomegranate and Walnut Middle Eastern Charoset
This sweet and tangy charoset is a delightful twist on the traditional Passover dessert, combining the flavors of pomegranate and walnut with a hint of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chopped fresh pomegranate seeds
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine pomegranate seeds and chopped walnuts.
2. In a small saucepan, heat honey over low heat until smooth.
3. Add apple cider vinegar, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt to the honey mixture. Whisk until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well coated.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None! Simply assemble and refrigerate.
Maple-Sweetened Apple and Pecan Charoset
This Maple-Sweetened Apple and Pecan Charoset is a delicious twist on the traditional Passover dessert. With its sweet and tangy flavor profile, it’s perfect for your Rosh Hashanah celebration.
Ingredients:
– 2 apples, diced
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is caramelized (about 10-12 minutes).
2. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Let the charoset cool to room temperature before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Orange Blossom-Scented Charoset with Dates
This charoset is infused with the sweet and floral aroma of orange blossom water, adding a unique dimension to this traditional Passover dish. The combination of sweet dates, crunchy nuts, and fragrant spices creates a delightful harmony of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chopped pitted dates
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup orange blossom water
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine dates, nuts, and spices.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until warm.
3. Add the orange blossom water, apple cider vinegar, and salt to the honey. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the warm mixture over the date-nut mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-bake recipe.
Chocolate-Dipped Fig and Hazelnut Charoset
This sweet and savory charoset recipe combines the natural sweetness of figs, the nutty flavor of hazelnuts, and the richness of dark chocolate for a unique and delicious Passover treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dried figs
– 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine figs, hazelnuts, sugar, honey, and cinnamon.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and heated through (about 10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
5. Dip cooled charoset into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Place dipped charoset on parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus cooling time)
Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Raisin Charoset
This charoset is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, combining the natural flavors of apples and raisins with the warmth of cinnamon. It’s an ideal accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from traditional Jewish holidays to everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 large apple, diced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped raisins
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apple, brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is caramelized (about 20-25 minutes).
3. Stir in the honey until well combined.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apricot and Walnut Charoset with Honey
Charoset is a traditional Jewish dish often served during Passover, and this sweet and savory recipe combines the flavors of apricots, walnuts, and honey. This charoset is perfect for using up dried apricots and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried apricots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, grind the apricots and walnuts into a coarse mixture.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, apple cider vinegar, orange zest, and salt. Heat over low heat, stirring until the honey dissolves.
3. Pour the honey mixture over the apricot-walnut mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None
Banana and Cashew Charoset with Cardamom
This sweet and nutty charoset is a creative twist on the traditional Passover dessert, featuring ripe bananas and creamy cashews infused with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup cashews
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine bananas, cashews, honey, cardamom, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level to your liking.
4. Transfer the charoset to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This charoset is ready in just a few minutes of blending.
Cherry and Almond Charoset with Vanilla
This charoset recipe combines the sweetness of cherries, the crunch of almonds, and the warmth of vanilla to create a delicious and traditional Seder dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried cherries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup slivered almonds
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the dried cherries, sugar, and water. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the slivered almonds, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in the orange juice.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including cooling time)
Cranberry and Walnut Charoset with Citrus Zest
This charoset recipe combines the flavors of fresh cranberries, toasted walnuts, and citrus zest to create a delicious and unique dessert perfect for Passover celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1/4 teaspoon grated orange zest
– 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cranberries and walnuts.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until melted.
3. Add the orange juice, orange zest, and lemon zest to the honey mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Pour the honey mixture over the cranberry mixture. Toss until all ingredients are coated evenly.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-bake recipe!
Caramelized Onion and Date Savory Charoset
Elevate your Passover table with this innovative charoset recipe, combining sweet caramelized onions and dates with savory ingredients. This unique twist on the classic dish is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups pitted dates, chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the onions over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
2. Add the chopped dates, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Remove from heat and stir in red wine vinegar (if using).
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pistachio and Dried Plum Charoset with Star Anise
This charoset is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for the Jewish holiday season. The pistachios and dried plums add natural sweetness, while the star anise provides a warm and aromatic spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pistachios
– 1/2 cup dried plums (prunes)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 teaspoon grated star anise
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, grind the pistachios using a food processor or a mortar and pestle until coarsely chopped.
2. Add the dried plums, honey, orange juice, star anise, and salt to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None needed! This charoset is ready in just a few minutes of mixing and chilling.
Ginger and Pear Charoset with Candied Ginger
This sweet and savory charoset combines the warmth of ginger with the tender sweetness of pears, all tied together with a hint of spice. Perfect for a unique twist on traditional Jewish dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe Bartlett pears, diced
– 1/4 cup candied ginger, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine pears, candied ginger, honey, grated ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pears are tender.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quince and Walnut Charoset with Cinnamon
This traditional Jewish charoset recipe combines the sweetness of quince with the earthiness of walnuts, all tied together with a hint of warm cinnamon. Perfect for Passover or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quince paste
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine quince paste, walnuts, and honey. Mix until well combined.
2. Add cinnamon and salt, stirring until smooth.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Chill time: 30 minutes
Dark Chocolate and Cherry Charoset with Sea Salt
This Dark Chocolate and Cherry Charoset with Sea Salt is a unique twist on the traditional Passover dessert. The combination of dark chocolate, sweet cherries, and flaky sea salt creates a delightful harmony of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried cherries
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon orange zest
– 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and honey. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the dark chocolate chips to the saucepan and stir until melted and smooth.
3. Stir in the orange zest and flaky sea salt.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to revolutionize your Passover seder with these 18 sweet and savory charoset recipes that put a modern twist on traditional flavors. From classic combinations like apples and walnuts, to unique pairings like coconut and mango or pomegranate and walnut, there’s something for everyone. Try spiced pear and almond, orange blossom-scented dates, chocolate-dipped figs, or caramelized onion and date savory charoset. Whatever your taste, these recipes will delight your guests and make this holiday season one to remember.
