Haroset (Sweet Fruit Compote)

Celticevergreen's Note:

Haroset is the traditional fruit compote found on the Passover Seder table and represents the mortar with which the Israelites bonded bricks when they were enslaved in Ancient Egypt as mentioned in the Talmud. This recipe is a Sephardic Jewish recipe from Greece and Turkey.

• Total Time: 2 hrs
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 4 cups

• 1 medium orange
• 1 3/4 cups pitted dates, chopped
• 2 apples (cored, peeled and grated)
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, chop the orange into four segments and boil in water to cover for one hour. Drain and ground into a paste using a blender. Can be made ahead.
2. Return ground orange to saucepan and add the dates, apples, walnuts, sugar, and the spices. Mix well and pour over the mixture the boiling water.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce to a low simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, still stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and simmer for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and let cool. Serve at room temperature.