Charoset is one of more popular and tasty symbolic foods on the Passover Seder Plate. It is a sweet, dark-colored paste made of fruits and nuts meant to mask some of the bitterness of the horseradish. The word “charoset” comes from the Hebrew word cheres, meaning clay. It’s color and texture are meant to recall mortar which the Israelites used when they were enslaved in Egypt. Like pretty much everything in Judaism, there are lots of different traditions depending on what part of the world one is from. Traditionally, the recipe calls for apples, nuts and wine. I personally like to stay true to traditions while simultaneously playing with new ingredients to keep things fresh and fun. The following recipe for charoset does just that! The recipe calls for apples, nuts and wine, keeping with tradition, but also incorporates, orange, ginger and mint to keep things new and exciting! Have fun and experiment this year! Wishing you all a Chag Kasher V’Sameach!
Orange Ginger Charoset
Servings
Ingredients
- 3 medium gala apples cored and diced (Leave the peel on if apples are organic)
- 2 cups unsalted dry roasted pecans, chopped (available ouP in Trader Joes)
- 2 cups orange jam
- 1/2 cup merlot or preferred dry wine
- 2 inches ginger grated
- Zest from 1 orange
- Juice from 2 limes
- 1/2 cup mint leaves chopped
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate until serving.
- Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
You can sub grape juice, fresh squeezed orange juice. Enjoy!
The Orange ginger Charoset looks like a great alternative recipe for something new this year. I can’t use alcohol, so what would you suggest to substitute for the Merlot/dry wine?
Can’t make this because of the nuts