Date & Walnut Charoset Recipe For A Sweet Rosh Hashanah: Kosher Food

Meta Description:

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with this rich Date & Walnut Charoset, blending biblical flavors and Messianic hope for a sweet new year in Yeshua.

Hashtags:

#RoshHashanah #MessianicJewish #Charoset #BiblicalCooking #SweetNewYear #DateAndWalnut #HolidayRecipes #TorahFeasts #FaithAndFood #YeshuaOurMessiah

---

Date & Walnut Charoset (Rosh Hashanah Style)

Introduction

Dates have been a symbol of blessing and abundance since the days when Israel first entered the Promised Land. The Lord promised a “land of wheat and barley, vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey” (Deuteronomy 8:8). This “honey” was often the sweet syrup made from dates, a staple in biblical times and a reminder of God’s provision.

Walnuts, though not specifically named in Scripture, reflect the abundance of the fruit of the earth—an outpouring of the Creator’s generosity. In the Song of Songs, the bride speaks of going down “to the grove of nut trees to look at the new growth” (Song of Songs 6:11), a poetic image of fruitfulness and renewal.

During Rosh Hashanah, we long for a sweet and fruitful year—not merely in earthly blessings, but in spiritual growth through Messiah Yeshua. Just as dates are naturally rich and satisfying, so is the joy of knowing Him, who said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

Traditionally served during the Passover Seder, charoset is also enjoyed at Rosh Hashanah in many Sephardic and Middle Eastern Jewish homes. This Rosh Hashanah-style version is infused with symbolic sweetness, perfect for dipping apple slices as we proclaim, “May it be Your will, Lord our God, to renew for us a good and sweet year.”

---

Recipe Summary Card

Recipe title: Date & Walnut Charoset (Rosh Hashanah Style)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Pan size / vessel: Medium mixing bowl, food processor
Difficulty level: Easy
Special equipment: Food processor or sharp knife

---

Ingredients

Use kosher-certified ingredients where applicable.

• 2 cups (300 g) Medjool dates, pitted

• 1 cup (100 g) walnut halves

• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 1 cup / 120 g)

• ¼ cup (60 ml) sweet red grape juice or pomegranate juice

• 1 tsp (2 g) ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional variations:

  • Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free.

  • Sugar-free: Omit honey, use 100% fruit juice.

  • Dairy-free: Naturally dairy-free.

---

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare ingredients: Pit the dates if not already done. Chop the apple into small cubes.

2. Toast walnuts (optional): For extra flavor, toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Allow to cool.

3. Combine in processor: Place dates, walnuts, apple, juice, cinnamon, honey (if using), and salt into a food processor.

4. Pulse until blended: Process in short bursts until the mixture forms a coarse paste—soft and slightly chunky, not fully smooth.

5. Adjust consistency: If too thick, add a little more juice (1–2 tbsp / 15–30 ml) and pulse again.

6. Chill before serving: Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

---

Serving & Presentation

• Servings: Makes 6–8 servings (about 2 tbsp per person).

• Serve in a small decorative bowl, garnished with a few whole walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

• Traditionally enjoyed with apple slices dipped into the charoset.

• Can also be served with fresh figs or spread on round challah.

---

Baking/Cooking Tips & Troubleshooting

• For richer flavor: Use fresh, soft Medjool dates. If dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes and drain before using.

• Texture control: Pulse gently—over-processing can make it too sticky or paste-like.

• Kosher notes: This recipe is parve and can be served with either meat or dairy meals.

---

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free. No changes needed.

• Sugar-free / low-sugar: Omit honey and use unsweetened juice. The dates and apple provide natural sweetness.

• Dairy-free: Naturally dairy-free.

---

Storage, Make-Ahead & Freezing

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

• Make-ahead: Prepare 1–2 days in advance for deeper flavor. Stir before serving.

---

Closing Blessing & Scripture

"May He grant you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." (Psalm 20:4)

As we dip apples into sweet charoset this Rosh Hashanah, may our lives be filled with the richness of His Word and the sweetness of walking with Yeshua in the year ahead.

---

Printable Recipe Card

Date & Walnut Charoset (Rosh Hashanah Style)
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Yield: 6–8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (300 g) Medjool dates, pitted

• 1 cup (100 g) walnut halves

• 1 apple (120 g), peeled and chopped

• ¼ cup (60 ml) sweet red grape juice or pomegranate juice

• 1 tsp (2 g) cinnamon

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey (optional)

• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Pit dates and chop apple.

2. Toast walnuts (optional).

3. Place all ingredients in food processor.

4. Pulse until coarse paste forms.

5. Adjust consistency with juice if needed.

6. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Serve with apple slices or challah. Store refrigerated up to 5 days.

---