Persian Charoset (Haleg)

Name: Persian Charoset (Haleg)
Yield: Servings
Ingredients: 1 (6-ounce) package ground walnuts (1 1/2 cups); 1 (6-ounce) package ground almonds (1 11/2 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

Author:: Reyna Simnegar
Publish date:: Mar 14, 2012

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.

ServingsServings

Ingredients

1 (6-ounce) package ground walnuts (1 1/2 cups)
1 (6-ounce) package ground almonds (1 11/2 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

Preparation

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!