Charoset, Mid-East Style *

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Charoset, Mid-East Style, offers a sweet, nutty, and cinnamon-flavored spread perfect for celebrating Passover or adding a tasty dip to any occasion. Its rich blend of dates, walnuts, honey, and wine creates a smooth, flavorful mixture that pairs well with bread or crackers.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. pitted dates, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. honey
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 2/3 c. chopped walnuts or almonds
  • 4 Tbsp. wine (sweet red)
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Cook the chopped dates with honey and water for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently until smooth.
  2. Stir and combine with chopped walnuts or almonds and cinnamon. Serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, ensure the dates are finely chopped before cooking. If you prefer, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or using agave syrup if desired. For a unique twist, consider adding a splash of orange juice for a bright note.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this charoset as a delightful spread on matzah or alongside roasted meats. It also pairs beautifully with Sweet And Sour Vegetables for a balanced meal. Add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top for garnish, or consider serving it with a side of Glazed Fruit Dessert for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will meld and deepen over time. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick. This keeps the texture smooth and spreadable.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Charoset, Mid-East Style * contains roughly 619 calories, with 9g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

619 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.4g 19% DV
Total Fat 41.3g 53% DV
Carbs 57g 21% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 35.7g 71% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 175.1mg 8% DV
Potassium 450.7mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 2.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.4mcg
Vitamin C 0.8mg 1% DV
Calcium 156.7mg 12% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make charoset ahead of time?

Yes, charoset can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit enhances the flavors. Just be sure to store it properly in the fridge to maintain its freshness.

What type of wine should I use for this recipe?

A sweet red wine, like a Moscato or a dessert wine, is ideal for this charoset. The sweetness complements the dates perfectly. You can also use a non-alcoholic grape juice if you prefer.

Is there a way to make this charoset vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly if you use agave syrup instead of honey. This will maintain the sweetness while keeping it plant-based. You can also explore different nut options for added variety.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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