Moroccan Charosets

Moroccan Charosets Recipe - Dates, Raisins, Walnuts & Red Wine

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Moroccan Charosets is a traditional dish served during Passover, a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. This sweet and nutty dish symbolizes the mortar used by the Israelites to build the pyramids.

History

Charosets has its origins in the Middle East and North Africa, where it is a popular dish served during Passover. The recipe has been passed down through generations and varies from region to region, with each family adding their own twist to the dish.

Ingredients

2 cups dates, pitted
0.5 cup golden raisins
0.5 cup dark raisins
0.5 cup walnuts
2 tbsp sweet red wine, Passover

How to prepare

Process dates, raisins, and walnuts in a food processor until the mixture is finely chopped and begins to form a mass.
Add enough wine to make a sticky dough.
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
Drop the mixture by slightly rounded measuring teaspoonfuls onto the pan.
Roll the mixture into hazelnut-sized balls using moistened palms.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm.

Variations

Add chopped almonds or pistachios for extra crunch.
Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pit the dates before processing them in the food processor.

- Use a sweet red wine that is suitable for Passover to add flavor to the dish.

- Refrigerate the mixture before rolling it into balls to help it firm up.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Moroccan Charosets as a sweet treat during Passover Seder or as a snack throughout the holiday.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Moroccan Charosets is to finely chop the dates, raisins, and walnuts in a food processor until they form a sticky dough.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sweet red wine, you can use grape juice as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Moroccan Charosets can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Moroccan Charosets in a decorative bowl garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Moroccan Charosets with matzo or unleavened bread for a traditional Passover meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Moroccan Charosets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Moroccan Charosets contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Moroccan Charosets contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Moroccan Charosets contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Moroccan Charosets contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Moroccan Charosets is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

Moroccan Charosets contains nuts (walnuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Moroccan Charosets is a nutritious dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a great energy-boosting snack.

Summary

Moroccan Charosets is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for Passover Seder or as a sweet snack. With its sweet and nutty flavors, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was many years ago, during one of my trips to Morocco. I have always been fascinated by different cuisines and love to learn new recipes wherever I go. And Morocco, with its rich history and diverse culinary traditions, was a treasure trove of delicious dishes waiting to be discovered.

During my time in Morocco, I had the pleasure of staying with a local family in a small village on the outskirts of Marrakech. The family welcomed me with open arms and treated me like one of their own. I spent my days exploring the bustling markets, wandering through the narrow alleyways, and soaking in the vibrant colors and sounds of this magical place.

One evening, as I sat down to dinner with my host family, I noticed a bowl of beautifully arranged charosets on the table. I had never seen anything like it before - a sweet and spicy mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices that looked like a work of art. Intrigued, I asked my host mother about the dish, and she smiled warmly and began to tell me the story behind it.

She explained that charosets is a traditional dish served during Passover, a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The dish symbolizes the mortar used by the Jewish slaves to build the pyramids, and is meant to remind us of the hardships endured by our ancestors. But despite its somber origins, charosets is a celebration of freedom and redemption, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope and sweetness to be found.

My host mother went on to tell me that the recipe for Moroccan charosets has been passed down through generations, each family adding their own unique twist to the dish. She shared with me her family's recipe, a blend of dates, figs, almonds, and a hint of cinnamon that captured the essence of Morocco in every bite.

I was captivated by the story and the flavors of this dish, and knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. My host mother graciously offered to teach me, and we spent the next few days in the kitchen, chopping, mixing, and tasting until we perfected the recipe. As we worked side by side, I felt a deep connection to her and to the generations of women who had come before us, passing down these traditions with love and care.

When the charosets was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy it together, savoring each spoonful as we shared stories and laughter. The dish was a symphony of flavors - sweet and spicy, crunchy and smooth - that danced on my taste buds and warmed my soul. I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, a link to a culture and a people that had welcomed me with open arms.

As I returned home from my trip to Morocco, I brought with me not just the memories of my adventures, but also the recipe for Moroccan charosets that I had learned from my host family. Over the years, I have made this dish for countless gatherings and celebrations, sharing the story behind it with friends and loved ones who have become a part of my extended family.

Each time I prepare the charosets, I am reminded of that magical evening in Morocco, of the warmth and generosity of my host family, and of the power of food to bring people together across cultures and continents. And as I take a bite of the sweet and spicy mixture that has become a symbol of freedom and redemption for me, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that has brought me here, to this moment of joy and connection.