Yemeni Charoset

Yemeni Charoset Recipe - A Vegetarian Dish with Dates, Figs, and Sesame Seeds

Region / culture: Yemen | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Yemeni Charoset is a traditional dish that is often served during Passover. This sweet and spicy dish is made with a combination of dates, figs, sesame seeds, and spices, creating a unique and flavorful treat.

History

Yemeni Charoset has its roots in Yemeni cuisine, where it is a popular dish during Passover. The combination of sweet dates and figs with spicy chili and aromatic spices creates a dish that is both delicious and symbolic of the holiday.

Ingredients

1 cup of chopped pitted dates
0.5 dried figs, chopped
0.33 cup of Passover concord grape wine
3 tbsp of sesame seeds
1 tsp of ginger
a pinch of coriander
1 small red chile, minced or a pinch of cayenne pepper
2 tbsp of matzo meal

How to prepare

Combine the dates, figs, and wine in a large bowl.
Add the sesame seeds, ginger, coriander, chili, and matzo meal. Mix everything together until well blended.
Shape the mixture into 1 inch balls or serve it in a bowl.

Variations

Add chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added texture.
Substitute the Passover concord wine with grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chop the dates and figs finely to ensure that they blend well with the other ingredients.

- Adjust the amount of chili pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the mixture can enhance their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Yemeni Charoset can be served as a sweet and spicy appetizer or dessert during Passover meals.

Cooking Techniques

Mixing the ingredients together by hand ensures that the flavors are well blended and the mixture holds together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Passover concord wine, you can use regular red wine or grape juice as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Yemeni Charoset can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Yemeni Charoset in a decorative bowl garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Yemeni Charoset pairs well with savory dishes such as roasted lamb or grilled chicken.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Yemeni Charoset in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Yemeni Charoset contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Yemeni Charoset is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the dates, figs, and matzo meal providing a good source of energy.

Fats

The sesame seeds in Yemeni Charoset are a good source of healthy fats, providing essential nutrients for the body.

Proteins

While Yemeni Charoset is not a significant source of protein, the sesame seeds do provide some protein content.

Vitamins and minerals

Dates and figs are rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

Yemeni Charoset may contain allergens such as sesame seeds and gluten from the matzo meal.

Summary

Yemeni Charoset is a nutritious dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Yemeni Charoset is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for Passover meals. With its sweet and spicy flavors, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl living in a small village in Yemen. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited a group of friends over for a traditional Yemeni feast.

As the women chatted and laughed in the kitchen, I watched in awe as my grandmother effortlessly prepared dish after dish. But it was the charoset that caught my eye. Made with a unique combination of dates, raisins, almonds, and spices, it was unlike anything I had ever seen before.

I asked my grandmother where she had learned to make such a delicious dish, and she simply smiled and said, "From a dear friend who taught me the secrets of Yemeni cuisine many years ago."

From that moment on, I was determined to learn the recipe for myself. I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my grandmother, watching and learning as she carefully measured and mixed each ingredient. She taught me how to toast the almonds to bring out their flavor, how to soak the dates to make them plump and sweet, and how to season the mixture with just the right amount of cinnamon and cardamom.

But the most important lesson she taught me was to cook with love and intention. She explained that each dish we made carried with it a piece of our history and culture, and that by cooking with care and respect, we could honor our ancestors and preserve our traditions for future generations.

Over the years, I have continued to make this recipe for Yemeni charoset, sharing it with friends and family as a way to pass down the knowledge and wisdom that my grandmother so generously imparted to me. Each time I make it, I am reminded of her gentle hands guiding mine, her warm smile encouraging me to take risks and experiment with new flavors.

And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of charoset with those I love, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking that my grandmother gave me. It is a gift that has nourished my body and soul, connecting me to my roots and reminding me of the power of food to bring people together in joy and celebration.

So the next time you taste a spoonful of Yemeni charoset, remember the story of a young girl who watched her grandmother create magic in the kitchen, and who learned that the true secret ingredient in any recipe is love.