Haroset

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Inspired by Ashkenazi traditions, this version of haroset is made with fresh Honeycrisp apples, toasted walnuts, sweet wine, honey, and cinnamon.

Haroset
Photo: Photo by Greg DuPree / Prop Styling by Missie Crawford / Food Styling by Ali Ramee
Active Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Yield:
6 servings

Some haroset recipes call for chopping the ingredients so finely that they form a paste when combined; here, we keep the apple and walnut pieces a bit larger so the finished dish retains its texture. There is no wrong way to make it, so feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking.

Frequently asked questions

What is the significance of haroset?

Haroset, a condiment made from fruits and nuts, is traditionally served with matzo during the Passover Seder to represent the mortar that enslaved Jews used to build the pyramids. Also spelled "charoset," it comes from the Hebrew word for clay.

What is haroset made of?

Though the ingredients vary depending on the region from which it evolved, haroset can be made with dried fruit, nuts, and seeds, as well as fresh fruit like apples and pomegranate seeds, plus a little sweet wine and honey. This recipe mixes Honeycrisp apples and toasted walnuts with Concord grape wine, honey, and cinnamon along with a touch of lemon juice and salt to balance everything out. Try using your leftover Manischewitz in a celebratory cocktail.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Haroset couldn't be any simpler to make — just chop your apples and walnuts, stir them together with the remaining ingredients, and allow it all to meld for about a half hour before serving. An even easier way to prepare it is to pulse everything in a food processor, but you will have less control over the final size of the apple and walnut pieces. Whichever method you choose will deliver the same lovely flavor. If you happen to have leftovers, they'd be delicious mixed into your morning yogurt.

Make ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Honeycrisp apples, cored, unpeeled, and finely chopped (about 3 cups)

  • 1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

  • 1/3 cup Concord grape kosher wine (such as Manischewitz)

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

  1. Stir together apples, walnuts, wine, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly distributed. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Stir before serving.

  2. Alternatively: Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until finely chopped, about 8 pulses.

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