Charoset - Israeli fruit salad

Name: Charoset - Israeli fruit salad - Tamara M.
Ingredients: 50g raisins; 50g figs; 50g dates; 30g almonds; 50g walnut kernels; 1 apple; 1 pear; 1 orange; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 50ml red wine

Savory - Charoset - Israeli fruit salad by Tamara M. - Recipia

I discovered Israeli charoset back in high school when I spent quite a bit of time with a friend's family in Israel. Some dishes seemed strange to me at the time, not all were to my taste, but this fruit salad with nuts, wine, and spices really appealed to me. I've made it many times since, because it's quick, hearty, and different from the usual fruit salad recipes. Quick Info Total time: 15-20 minutes Preparation time: 15-20 minutes Cooking time: none required Servings: 4 Difficulty: easy Recipe type: traditional fruit salad, suitable for holidays or family meals Ingredients 50 g raisins 50 g dried figs 50 g dates 30 g almonds 50 g walnut halves 1 apple 1 pear 1 orange 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 50 ml red wine Preparation steps 1. Squeeze the orange and put the juice in a large bowl. Add the red wine. 2. Peel the apple and pear and cut them into evenly-sized cubes. 3. Chop the figs and dates into small pieces. You can cut them with a sharp knife or, if they're a bit hard, soak them in warm water for 2-3 minutes and then drain well. 4. Add the raisins, chopped figs, dates, apple, and pear to the bowl. Gently mix so that the fruits are coated with juice and wine. 5. Chop the walnuts and almonds (they don’t need to be ground, just small pieces with their texture). Add 2/3 of the mixture to the salad, saving the rest for topping. 6. Sprinkle cinnamon over the fruits. Carefully mix everything so that the juice and spices are evenly distributed. 7. Let the bowl sit aside for 10 minutes. The dried fruits will soften a bit and absorb the flavors of the liquid. 8. Sprinkle the remaining almonds and walnuts on top for extra texture. Why I make this recipe often It takes no more than a quarter of an hour and requires no cooking. It’s a hearty fruit salad with different textures. It keeps well in the fridge, so I can prepare it a few hours in advance. It can be easily adjusted based on what I have at home. Tips and variations Tips Dried fruits with tougher skins (like sometimes figs) can be soaked a bit beforehand to make them easier to cut. Use a dry or semi-dry red wine, not sweet, to avoid making the salad too sugary. If preparing in advance, cover the bowl and refrigerate to let the flavors meld. Substitutions You can use raw peanuts or cashews instead of almonds if you don’t have any. The pear can be omitted if you don’t have it on hand, but the mixture will be less juicy. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the red wine with red grape juice or still water. Variations Sometimes I add other fruits, like dried plums or apricots, if I have them. Pecan nuts can also be used instead of walnut halves. For a richer flavor, you can toast the almonds for a few seconds in a dry pan. Serving ideas Charoset can be served as a dessert, snack, or as part of a festive platter alongside other Jewish dishes. It’s also suitable for breakfast on a slice of toasted bread. Frequently asked questions Can I use another type of wine? Yes, you can also use white wine, but the flavor will be a bit more neutral. Dry red wine adds a specific flavor and a more intense color. Is it necessary to add cinnamon? Cinnamon adds a special touch, but if you don’t like it or don’t have it, you can omit it. Other spices (cardamom, a little ground ginger) can be tested, but they are not part of the basic recipe. Can I prepare the recipe a day in advance? Yes, it can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, but the texture of the fruits will become softer. It keeps well in the fridge. What if I don’t have figs or dates? You can double the amount of raisins or use dried plums. The texture will be a bit different, but it works. Nutritional values (estimate) One serving has approximately 180-220 calories. Carbohydrates: 30-35 g Protein: 2-3 g Fat: 6-7 g Approximate values may vary depending on the amount of nuts and fruits used, the type of wine, and how large the servings are. Storage and reheating The salad keeps covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. It is not reheated. The longer it sits, the softer the fruits become, and the nuts may lose some texture, but the flavor intensifies a bit. I recommend consuming it on the day it is prepared or the next day at the latest.

Charoset - Israeli fruit salad

Tags

Categories