Recipes

Middle Eastern charoset

Dates, figs and spices make this Sephardic recipe rich and dessert-like

April 3, 2025 09:50
31032016 Middle Eastern Charoset copy
31032016 Middle Eastern Charoset copy

By

paula shoyer,

Anonymous

1 min read

Serves: 25

I have always enjoyed making and eating Sephardic charoset recipes because they often taste like dessert. This recipe merges several charoset traditions and, unlike the classic Ashkenazi varieties, this one has a chunky texture.

You can prepare everything except the apples three days in advance. Add the apple just before serving.

Method

  • In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, place the dates, figs, nutmeg, ginger, wine, and zest.
  • Process to a paste.
  • Add the walnuts and apricots and process until the mixture comes together.
  • Scoop into a small serving bowl.
  • Add the chopped apples and stir.

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Ingredients

230g pitted dates
150g dried figs
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp sweet kosher wine
1 tsp orange zest (from 1 medium orange)
120g walnuts, chopped into 8mm pieces
200g dried apricots, chopped into 6mm pieces
1½ red apples, not peeled, chopped into 8mm pieces