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–+ servings

Charoset with Apples and Walnuts for Easy Passover Prep

Annahita Carter
Chunky Ashkenazi-style charoset made with tart-sweet apples, toasted walnuts, honey, cinnamon, and sweet kosher wine, then chilled so the flavors meld for an easy, make-ahead Passover Seder dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 27 minutes
Course Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine Ashkenazi, Jewish
Servings 8 servings
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium apples peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 675 g / 1 1/2 lb; Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup walnut halves or pieces lightly toasted and coarsely chopped (120 g)
  • 1/4–1/3 cup sweet red kosher wine plus more to taste (60–80 ml)
  • 2–3 tbsp honey to taste (about 30–45 g)
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1–2 tbsp brown sugar optional, for deeper sweetness
  • 2–3 tbsp lemon juice about 1 small lemon
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt optional
  • 1/4 cup raisins or chopped dates optional (about 40 g)

Instructions
 

  • Prep and toast the walnuts (optional but recommended). If you have a few extra minutes, spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F / 175°C for 5–7 minutes, until they smell nutty and darken slightly. Let them cool, then coarsely chop.
  • Peel and dice the apples. Peel, core, and finely dice the apples into roughly 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) pieces.
  • Toss apples with lemon and a splash of wine. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with the lemon juice and 2–3 tablespoons of the wine. Stir well to coat every piece.
  • Add cinnamon, honey, and optional sugar. Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the apples. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of honey and, if using, the brown sugar. Stir thoroughly until evenly distributed.
  • Fold in walnuts and any dried fruit. Add the chopped walnuts and raisins or dates, if using. Fold gently until evenly mixed.
  • Adjust texture with more wine. Add more wine, 1 tablespoon at a time, just until the charoset holds together when pressed with the back of a spoon but is not soupy.
  • Season to taste. Taste and add more honey or brown sugar for sweetness, a pinch of salt if needed, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for more warmth.
  • Chill to let flavors meld. Cover and refrigerate at least 1–2 hours, or up to 2 days.
  • Stir before serving. Just before serving, stir well and taste again; add a splash more wine or lemon juice if it has thickened or dulled in flavor during chilling.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3.5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1.2gSodium: 30mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 4gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.8mg
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