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Israeli Style Charoset

Thick, sweet, and spreadable, this Israeli-style charoset is perfect for Passover.
Prep Time10 mins
Total Time10 mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Servings: 3 cups
Author: Coco Morante

Ingredients

  • 1 2/3 cups 200g walnut halves and pieces
  • 1/2 cup 80g raisins
  • 1 medium 180g apple, quartered and cored
  • 1 container 454g date spread
  • 2 tablespoons 30ml concord grape juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

  • In a food processor fitted with its chopping blade, process the walnuts in 1-second pulses until they are finely chopped. Do not process them too much, or they will start to exude oil and form a paste. Transfer the chopped walnuts to a medium mixing bowl. Set aside a tablespoon of the walnuts to garnish the charoset if desired.
  • Put the raisins in the food processor. Process in 1-second pulses until they are finely chopped and beginning to clump together. Transfer to the bowl with the walnuts.
  • Remove the chopping blade from the food processor and replace it with a grating/shredding disk. Grate the apple. Add it to the bowl with the walnuts and raisins.
  • To the bowl, add the date spread, grape juice, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir until evenly mixed.

Notes

Lior and King David brands make date spreads that are commonly sold at Middle Eastern markets. I found mine at Crossroads Specialty Foods in Palo Alto. If you cannot track it down, substitute one pound of pitted dates (any variety, the moister the better), and process them into a paste in the food processor after chopping the raisins.
You can use a sweet wine (such as Manischewitz) instead of grape juice if desired. Additionally, feel free to add ground cloves, nutmeg, or your favorite sweet spices.