Grandma Esther's Ultimate Passover Charoset

My Grandma Esther's Passover charoset recipe is a must! Apples, walnuts, spice & a chef's twist make it unforgettable. Perfect with matzah! Get the Vegetarian Passover Recipes here! ... Quick Meals
Alright, mate! Ever feel like your Passover Dinner needs a bit of a kick? Like, something beyond the same old, same old?
Grandma Esther's Killer Charoset Recipe
Well, let me tell you, this charoset recipe is it! it's my grandma esther's recipe, bless her cotton socks, but with a little chef-y twist.
It's packed with sweet apples, crunchy nuts, and warm spices. honestly, it tastes just like passover should.
A Taste of History
This ain't just some fancy vegetarian passover recipes , though. passover charoset is proper steeped in history. it represents the mortar the israelites used when they were building stuff in egypt.
So, yeah, it's a bit symbolic. this version is super easy to make. it only takes about 15 minutes to prep.
It makes enough for about 8-10 people, perfect for your seder meal .
Why This Charoset Rocks
This passover haroset recipe ? it's all about the flavour, innit? the spices warm you up from the inside. apples and nuts? a classic combo.
Also, apples are packed with fiber, which is always a bonus. this recipe is perfect for the passover dinner , but it's also great any time you fancy a sweet treat.
It's different from all the other kosher for passover kugel or passover apple crisp . it's got that something special.
Now, fancy learning how to make this deliciousness? Let's gather the ingredients, yeah?
Alright, let's chat charoset recipe and all the bits and bobs you need! honestly, making passover charoset is easier than finding a decent parking spot in london on a saturday.
You know? i’m using my grandma’s recipe; tweaked of course!
Grandma Esther's Ultimate Passover Charoset Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's break down what you need. Don't worry, it's not rocket science, more like a pleasant stroll through Borough Market!
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium apples (about 450g ), like Honeycrisp or Gala. Go for quality; no bruised apples, please!
- 1 cup walnuts ( 100g ), toasted and chopped. Toasting unlocks flavor!
- 1/2 cup red dates ( 100g ), pitted and chopped. Medjool ones are divine.
- 1/4 cup Manischewitz wine (or grape juice – gotta keep it family-friendly if needed!).
- 1 tablespoon honey. Maple syrup works for Vegetarian Passover Recipes .
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (my little secret weapon!).
Seasoning Notes
Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg – the holy trinity of passover apple crisp spices! use about 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
Feel free to add a pinch of cloves if you're feeling adventurous. no ground ginger? use minced fresh, but half the amount.
Want to punch up the flavors? a little orange zest adds a lovely zing. experiment; that's where the magic happens.
This is also good as a passover recipes dinner side or starter for the seder meal .
Equipment Needed
You won't need much!
- A decent-sized mixing bowl.
- A chopping board.
- A sharp knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
No fancy equipment needed for this passover haroset recipe or even a kosher for passover kugel . got a blunt knife? a sturdy potato peeler can sub.
A whisk is great, but a fork works too! no need to buy expensive gear. the flavor is the most important bit.
Don't forget the passover dinner is about remembrance, not about showing off fancy kit.
Honestly, most of what you need, you will probably already have. It is easy to create this great Passover Charoset dish and it will be one of the easier Vegetarian Passover Recipes on the menu!
Alright, let's get this charoset recipe cracking! honestly, passover just isn't passover without it, is it? it's the taste of tradition, and this one's a nod to my lovely grandma esther, with a cheeky little twist that makes it extra special.
We're talking simple, delicious, and totally manageable, even if your kitchen skills are a bit... rusty. plus, it falls under the banner of vegetarian passover recipes , so everyone can tuck in!

Grandma Esther's Ultimate Passover Charoset (With a Chef's Secret!)
This passover charoset is all about remembering history, but with a taste that's absolutely bangin'. we're talking sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, warming spices.
.. it's basically autumn in a bowl, but, you know, kosher for passover. i remember grandma esther always making a huge batch, and everyone would fight over the last spoonful.
This passover haroset recipe is my attempt to recreate that magic.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let's get organised. it’s all about mise en place . chop your 3 medium apples (honeycrisp or gala are ideal!), toast your 1 cup walnuts , and get your spices lined up.
Measure out that 1/4 cup manischewitz wine (or grape juice if you're teetotal). this is half the battle, trust me.
- Time-saving tip : Chop those apples just before you need them to prevent browning!
- Safety First : Watch your fingers with that knife, yeah?
Step-by-Step to Charoset Glory
Ready to roll? Follow these steps and you’ll have Passover Charoset in no time.
- Chop the apples. Aim for small, uniform pieces.
- Toast your walnuts for 3- 5 minutes until they smell amazing! Watch them though; burnt nuts are sad nuts.
- In a big bowl, chuck in your apples, walnuts, spices ( 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp nutmeg ), and 1/2 cup chopped red dates .
- Pour in the wine, 1 tbsp honey , and 1 tbsp lemon juice .
- Here's my chefy secret! Add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar for a zing !
- Give it all a good stir.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes for the flavours to meld. This is important!
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Charoset
- Want to make this ahead? Absolutely! Charoset actually tastes better after a day or two in the fridge.
- Don't skimp on the spices! They're what give it that warm, comforting flavour.
- Common mistake : Not toasting the nuts! Don't skip this step, it makes a huge difference.
There you have it! a cracking passover charoset that would make grandma esther proud. serve it up at your seder meal , alongside your passover dinner and maybe a kosher for passover kugel .
Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a passover apple crisp for dessert. enjoy, and happy passover!
Recipe Notes for the Ultimate Passover Charoset
Alright, let's talk notes! you've got your grandma esther's awesome charoset recipe , but there's always room for a little tweaking, innit? think of these notes as friendly suggestions, not commandments carved in stone.
Honestly, cooking should be fun, so don't stress!
Serving Suggestions: A Few Fab Ideas
So, you've made this amazing passover charoset . now what? well, first and foremost, serve it with matzah at your seder meal .
That's a given, right? but don't stop there! it's actually quite versatile. for plating, think simple rustic charm. a nice wooden bowl always looks the part.
Or, get a bit fancy and spoon it into individual ramekins. it really does depend on the vibe of your passover dinner .
Pair it with a crisp, dry kosher wine. a light rosé would also be spot on. if you want something non-alcoholic, sparkling grape juice works a treat.
How about some kosher for passover kugel ? my nan used to make it and honestly, it's a knockout combination!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Leftovers? you're in luck! charoset recipe keeps well. pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll last for about 3-4 days.
The apples might soften a little, but the flavor will still be banging. freezing? i wouldn't recommend it. the texture goes a bit weird.
Just whip up a fresh batch, yeah?
Reheating? Don't! This is a cold dish, best enjoyed straight from the fridge (or slightly warmed if you prefer).
Variations: Let's Get Creative with Passover Haroset Recipe
Fancy a change? Let's have a go. For a Vegetarian Passover Recipes twist, make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey. Easy peasy!
For seasonal swaps, try pears instead of apples in the autumn. use what's fresh and local! trust me, it makes a difference.
Some folks go for passover apple crisp . i’ve not had that, but might give it a go.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, so this passover charoset recipe isn't exactly a health food, but it's got some good stuff in it! you’ve got fiber from the apples and dates.
Healthy fats from the walnuts. plus, a good kick of antioxidants. it's also a really important symbol within the passover dinner .
It's naturally sweetened and it's made without any added rubbish. Just remember everything in moderation, yeah?
Right then, that’s about it from me, you legend! have a cracking time making this recipe. remember that this delicious charoset recipe is more than just food.
It's about family, tradition, and remembering our history. happy passover!

Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is charoset, and why do we eat it at Passover?
Charoset is a traditional Passover dish that symbolizes the mortar used by the Israelites when they were enslaved in Egypt. Think of it like a delicious, chunky apple and nut salad with a hint of spice! This particular charoset recipe uses apples, walnuts, dates, and a blend of spices like cinnamon and ginger, all bound together with wine or grape juice.
Can I make this charoset recipe ahead of time? I'm already stressed enough prepping for the Seder!
Absolutely, mate! In fact, making it ahead is highly recommended. The flavors meld together beautifully after a bit of time in the fridge. Prepare the charoset recipe up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.
I'm allergic to nuts (or hosting someone who is). Are there any nut-free variations of this charoset recipe?
No worries, we can easily adapt this charoset recipe. Simply replace the walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You could even try toasted oats for a bit of texture. Just be mindful of cross-contamination if you're preparing it in a kitchen where nuts are present.
My charoset turned out a bit dry. How can I fix it?
Easy peasy! Add a bit more Manischewitz wine (or grape juice) one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. A splash of apple juice or even a little extra honey can also help moisten it up. Give it a good mix and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the liquid to absorb.
How long does leftover charoset last, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftover charoset will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any off-flavors from other foods in the fridge. While it's unlikely there will be leftovers (it's that good!), you'll want to store properly to maintain freshness.
What can I do with the charoset, aside from eating it with matzah?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Charoset is delicious as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, as a filling for baked apples, or even served alongside roasted chicken or pork for a sweet and savory contrast. You can also use it as a base for fruit tarts or crumble toppings. Get creative and enjoy!