The Passover Seder is a ritual meal that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover, commemorating the Israelites’ freedom from slavery in Egypt. Central to the Seder is the retelling of the Exodus story, accompanied by symbolic foods like matzah (unleavened bread), maror (bitter herbs), and charoset (a sweet fruit paste), each representing elements of the Israelites’ journey.
While the structure of the Seder is traditionally the same across Jewish communities, different cultures have adapted the recipes and customs to reflect their local ingredients and tastes. Most American Jews are most familiar with Ashkenazi charoset, which is typically made with apples, walnuts, and wine. But around the world, the varied recipes serve to deepen the connection to the themes of Passover and highlight the diversity within the shared observance of Passover.
This year, perhaps try a different version of Charoset – it might just be your new favorite. Each recipe below shares a bit of background about the style. Click on the image to enlarge and save.
