Please see the Note below:
Although I usually like to cook new foods and experiment with recipes, when it comes to the Jewish holidays I more or less prepare the same things my mother and grandmother served in their day. For the first night of Passover that means chicken soup with matzo balls, roasted turkey, chremslich and macaroons. And several side dishes, such as braised leeks and tomatoes, roasted carrots, some quinoa dish or other -- and so on.
But I can't help myself, even for this very traditional meal -- I always add a new dish or two or three.
Sometimes it's a side dish, sometimes a dessert.
Sometimes I'll add an additional haroset to my usual one.
That's it for this year. Here's the one: Dried Fruit Haroset with Ginger and Coriander.
NOTE: I understand that not everyone eats sesame seeds during Passover (sesame seeds are kitnyiot). Please follow according to your tradition. The haroset is delicious even without the seeds. If you prefer, scatter the top with chopped toasted almonds.
Dried Fruit Haroset with Ginger and Coriander
- 1 cup chopped dried figs
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander (nutmeg, cinnamon)
- 1/3 cup apricot preserves
- 4-5 tablespoons sweet red Passover wine
- 1 tablespoon lightly toasted sesame seeds
Combine the figs, dates, apricots and raisins in a bowl. Add the ginger, coriander, preserves and wine and mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Let the mixture stand for at least one hour before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.
Makes about 2-1/2 cups