Cybele Pascal

As promised last week in my Allergy Free Roasted Asparagus Soup post, I’m continuing the theme of Passover and Easter recipes. Today’s post is Nut-Free Charoset, that’s gluten-free and Kosher for Passover.

A fruit and nut dish traditionally eaten at Passover, charoset represents the mortar which the enslaved Hebrews used when constructing storehouses and buildings in ancient Egypt.  (I love food history!) Ashkenazi recipes usually contain apples, raisins, cinnamon, and honey, while Sephardic often include dates, oranges, and apricots. Since I’m both Ashkenazi and Sephardic, this hybrid charoset combines elements of both traditions — but without the usual nuts, since both my son Lennon and I are allergic to them! Apple pieces add crunchiness and pomegranate juice ties together this super-healthy dish. Try it with roasted meat or enjoy it as a spread on gluten-free matzo.

Nut-Free Charoset

Makes about 1 1/2 cups

• 1/4 cup chopped dates*
• 1/4 cup chopped dried Turkish apricots*
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon pomegranate juice or red grape juice
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and chopped*
• 1/2 navel orange, peeled and cut into 1 centimeter pieces

1. Combine dates, apricots, and raisins.

2. Whisk together lemon juice and pomegranate juice.  Add honey and stir until completely dissolved. Add to dried fruit mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon and toss.

3. Add apple pieces. Combine gently. Add orange pieces, stirring gently.

4. Cover and chill for at least one hour before serving.

* For best results, chop dates, apricots, and apples into raisin-sized pieces.

Nut-Free Charoset
© 2011 by Cybele Pascal

For more  of my Passover recipes you might like, try:

♥ Allergy-Free Sweet Noodle Kugel at Whole Living Daily

♥ Allergy-Free Brisket Tsimmes at Foodista

♥ Allergy-Free Potato Leek Kugel at Whole Living Daily

(Please note that all my recipes are completely free of all top allergens (wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, and gluten), so as many people as possible can enjoy them. Additionally, all the ingredients are available at Whole Foods, and online at Amazon.com. If you have trouble finding something, let me know and I’ll help you find it.)

SAFETY NOTE: Because each person’s food sensitivity and reaction is unique, ranging from mild intolerance to life-threatening and severe food allergies, it is up to the consumer to monitor ingredients and manufacturing conditions. If manufacturing conditions, potential cross contact between foods, and ingredient derivatives pose a risk for you, please re-read all food labels and call the manufacturer to confirm potential allergen concerns beforeconsumption. Ingredients and manufacturing practices can change overnight and without warning.

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