Persian charoset (Haleg) is fabulous! Traditional, charoset symbolizes the mortar used by the Hebrews back in Egypt. This is my mother-in-law’s charoset recipe.
Persian Charoset (Haleg)
Servings
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 6-ounce package ground walnuts (1 1/2 cups)
- 1 6-ounce package ground almonds (1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup pistachio nut meats ground
- 1 cup date paste
- 1/2 cup raisins ground
- 1/2 cup grape juice
- 1 banana peeled and ground
- 1 apple peeled and ground
- 2 tablespoons charoset spice
Instructions
- Grind together all the ingredients that do not come already ground. Combine very well.
- Tricks of the trade:
- I buy already ground walnuts and almonds to make my life easier. I also purchase date paste so I don’t have to grind that either. These are easily available kosher-for-Passover at many kosher groceries. The rest of the ingredients I process together into a wet paste similar in texture to chummus. Charoset spice is made by Sadaf and you can get it online; or simply mix equal parts of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. Keep haleg refrigerated and if it gets too thick, thin it with grape juice or even sweet wine to give it a grown up twist!
Never heard of that, can’t even imaging what the 40 ingredients would be
Have heard of a 40-ingredient Iranian charoset recipe to mark 40 years of wandering. anyone have that?
This looks very good and I love making alternative (to Ashkenaz) charoset. What is date paste & where would I find it. Also, thanks to Bazmeh for the information.
Kol Toov,
Marnie
Persian haligh is very special. Note however, that each woman from each city will have her own way to make it. My family adds much more dried fruits (of all sorts) to soak in wine for 24 hours before prep, no banana whatsoever, and also some ginger and black pepper, of all things.