Delicious and Nutritious Apple-Cherry Haroset Recipe
Welcome to my Apple-Cherry Haroset recipe, a perfect addition to your Passover Seder plate! As a chef, I love incorporating unique flavors into traditional dishes to make them pop, and this charoset is no exception.
Charoset is an essential component of the Passover Seder meal, representing the mortar used by the Israelites during their enslavement in Egypt over 3,000 years ago. This recipe combines the sweetness of apples and honey with the tartness of cherries and red wine, creating a delightful balance that will keep you coming back for more.
In this recipe, I use a combination of ground cinnamon, toasted walnuts, and dried cherries to add additional depth and texture. But don’t worry – it’s not overly complicated, and I’ve included helpful tips and substitutions to make sure even novice chefs can nail this dish.
So whether you’re looking to spice up your Seder meal or impress your guests with a new twist on tradition, give my Apple-Cherry Haroset a try – I promise it won’t disappoint!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I guarantee that once you try this Apple-Cherry Haroset/Charoset for Passover Recipe, you won’t be able to resist its irresistible sweetness and flavor. There’s nothing quite like this delicious combination of tangy apples, juicy cherries, and toasted walnuts.
Whether you’re serving it as part of your Passover Seder meal or as a sweet treat anytime throughout the year, this recipe is sure to impress. The mixture of red wine, honey, and cinnamon creates a delectable harmony that compliments the sweet fruit perfectly.
Not only does this charoset recipe taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients that are readily available. This recipe requires no cooking or baking, and you can have it ready to serve within minutes.
The versatility of this apple-cherry haroset recipe is also worth mentioning. You can substitute in different nuts, dried fruits or even add some grape juice while making it. Additionally, you can pair it with a variety of foods such as matzo or crackers, cheese plates, roasted meats, and more.
So why not switch things up from the classic ashkenazi charoset and try out this apple-cherry version? Its perfect balance of flavors will leave your taste buds craving more, making it hard to resist adding this recipe into your daily crunch routine.
Ingredient List
Here is the list of ingredients you will need to make this scrumptious Apple-Cherry Haroset/Charoset recipe for the Passover meal.
Ingredients 1
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored, then chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup toasted walnuts or apple-toasted walnut mixture (such as Daily Crunch)
- ½ cup cherry-berry or nut medley, roughly chopped (suggestion: cherry-berry nut medley from Trader Joe’s)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons honey (add more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon red wine
Ingredients 2
- 2 apples, peeled, cored and quartered (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples)
- 1 cup canned cherries
- 2 cups almonds
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons honey (more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon grape juice
Note that you can substitute any of the ingredients with your favorite nut, fruit or spice.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone over the ingredient list, let’s dive into how to make this delicious apple-cherry haroset.
Step 1: Toasted Walnuts and Apples
First, we need to chop and toast 1 cup of walnuts. We can do this by spreading them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and toasting them for about 10 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F. Once they are golden brown and fragrant, set them aside to cool.
Then, take 2 Granny Smith apples, peel them and core them, then quarter them. Place them in a food processor along with the cooled toasted walnuts, and pulse until they are finely chopped.
Step 2: Add Cherries and Other Ingredients
Add 1 cup canned cherries, drained and roughly chopped, along with 1/2 cup of a cherry-berry-nut medley (dried cherries or dates works as well.) into the mixture.
Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and stir together.
Step 3: Mixture sweetening
Drizzle in 3 tablespoons honey and a splash of red wine (or grape juice), then stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Chill & serve
Transfer the haroset mixture to a serving dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together properly.
This apple-cherry haroset is perfect with traditional charoset dishes like matzo or used as part of your Passover Seder plate. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about making charoset is that it’s an adaptable recipe, and you can easily switch out ingredients to cater to your preferences or based on availability. Here are some simple substitutions and variations you can try:
– Instead of using canned cherries, you can use dried cherries, chopped dates, or raisins to create a sweeter, more textured flavor.
– For a nuttier taste, consider swapping the almonds for hazelnuts or pecans. You can also mix different nuts together, like a walnut/pecan mixture or a berry/nut medley.
– If you want to make this recipe nut-free or allergic to nuts, try replacing the nuts with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or other seeds that have similar nutty flavors.
– Additionally, if you would like to adjust the level of sweetness in this recipe, replace the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
– Another variation is to add some extra spices like cardamom or cocoa powder for enhanced richness.
– For an even more tart apple flavor, try mixing in tart apples like McIntosh with the regular granny smith apples.
– If you want to give your charoset some extra crunch factor try adding in some toasted coconut flakes to your apple cherry mixture.
Remember that you should get creative with these substitutions and don’t hesitate to discover which ingredients work best in combination with each other. Whatever variation you choose, these modifications will unleash new flavors and elevate your charoset recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this delicious Apple-Cherry Haroset/Charoset, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it.
Traditionally, charoset is served as part of the Passover seder plate, which symbolizes the Jewish people’s journey from slavery to freedom. You can also use it as a side dish during your Passover meal or enjoy it on its own as a sweet snack.
You can pair this apple cherry haroset with red wine or grape juice to enhance its flavor. The sweet and tangy flavors of the haroset complement the fruity notes of the wine or grape juice, providing an excellent taste experience.
If you’re looking for a unique way to serve this dish, try using it as a spread on matzo or crackers. The combination of crunchy matzo or cracker and the smooth texture of the haroset create a satisfying and balanced snack.
Additionally, this charoset pairs well with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or lamb. The sweetness from the honey, apples, and cherries adds a unique taste that complements savory dishes.
In summary, serving this apple-cherry haroset with red wine or grape juice makes for a fantastic taste pairing. Alternatively, you can try serving it as a spread on matzo or crackers or alongside roasted meats at your Passover meal. No matter how you choose to serve it, be sure to enjoy this recipe’s rich and fruity flavors!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re hosting a traditional Passover Seder and are looking to get ahead with the preparations, then this recipe has got you covered! The good news is that this Apple-Cherry Haroset/Charoset can be prepared in advance and stored until ready to serve.
Once made, store the charoset in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. Before serving, give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of red wine or grape juice to moisten it up.
If you find yourself with any leftover charoset after the Seder dinner, don’t worry about it going to waste. It can make a delicious addition to your daily breakfast routine. I love using it as a topping on oatmeal or mixing it into yogurt for some extra sweetness and crunch.
To reheat the charoset, warm it up slowly in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in 20-second increments, stirring well between each interval.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for those who like to plan ahead, as it holds up well in the fridge and can be easily reheated. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the bowl or use it later as a breakfast ingredient, this Apple-Cherry Haroset/Charoset is sure to impress at your Passover Seder meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing a dish for Passover can be challenging, especially when you’re new to the tradition. If you’re making an Apple-Cherry Haroset/Charoset for Passover, it’s essential to pay close attention to the ingredients and cooking process to ensure that it meets the Passover dietary restrictions.
To make the perfect Apple-Cherry Haroset/Charoset for Passover, I recommend using fresh and high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Here are some tips that can help you achieve mouth-watering Haroset:
Tip #1: Use a variety of apples
By using different types of apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, you’ll create a complex flavor profile that couldn’t be achieved by using only one type of apple. Using two or more types of apples will add contrasting textures and sweetness levels.
Tip #2: Toast the walnuts and prepare them beforehand
Before adding your chopped walnuts to the Apple-Cherry Haroset/Charoset mix, toast them in an oven or skillet. Toasted walnuts offer a nuttier and richer flavor; they also add extra crunch to your finished dish.
Tip #3: Watch the consistency of your Charoset/Haroset
Ensure that you’re not over-processing your ingredients so that your mixture still retains its coarse texture. When mixing your recipe’s ingredients, try pulsing them in intervals instead of blending continuously to prevent over-processing.
Tip #4: Incorporate dried fruit
Adding dried cherries or dates will add chewy texture and hints of natural sweetness which complements the Apples’ mildness.
Bonus tip: You can double or triple this recipe to ensure it is enough for everyone at your Seder table. The leftovers are delicious on matzo bread too!
These tips apply well beyond just this recipe. Preparing food is a journey where every cook has much to learn; however, with excellent ingredients, proper tools, practice, time management, and these tips applied sensibly, anyone can prepare meals like an Israeli chef with perfect results.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Apple-Cherry Haroset/Charoset recipe is a fantastic choice for your Passover Seder meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or attending a friend’s gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its unique blend of flavors and simple yet elegant presentation, it’s no wonder that the apple-cherry haroset/charoset has become such a beloved staple of the Passover table.
By following this recipe’s simple instructions, you too can create a dish that will impress and delight your friends and family. And with the option to try various substitutions and variations on this classic dish, you can put your own signature twist on this traditional recipe.
So why not add a little sweetness to your passover seder plate with this delectable apple-cherry haroset/charoset recipe? It’s an impressive and delicious way to pay homage to the historic Jewish holiday while savoring amazing flavors at the same time. Let this recipe elevate your Passover Seder meal and add extra meaning to an already special occasion.
Apple-Cherry Haroset/Charoset for Passover Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 apples, red skinned
- 1 cup canned cherries, pitted, drained
- 1/2 cup almonds, finely ground
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 -3 tablespoons honey
- 1 -2 tablespoon red wine, sweet, to moisten
Instructions
- Core apples and cut into chunks, no need to peel.
- Place in food processor and chop coarsely.
- Add cherries, ground almonds and cinnamon. Process to coarsely chop cherries.
- Transfer to a bowl.
- Stir in honey to taste and red wine to moisten.
- Serve at room temperature.