Common ingredients in Chinese cuisine are highlighted in this version of charoset: soy sauce, pine nuts and honey. In contrast with most charoset recipes, this one is slightly savory.
I used to live in Japan and work for Kikkoman Soy Sauce. I also traveled in China and studied the Fugu Plan, a Japanese rescue plan to save Jews from the Nazis by settling them in Shanghai during World War II. This Charoset recipe creates a connection between the wandering Jews of China and the Passover story. Watch the fun step-by-step cooking video below featuring Andy & Caroline.
Explore our other international charoset recipes here!
Makes approximately 6 cups
Ingredients
- ½ pound of dates (about 1½ cups, finely chopped)
- 4 apples (finely chopped)
- ½ cup pine nuts
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (you can use gluten-free) Coconut Aminos or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos can be substituted for soy sauce for Passover.
- 4 tbsp honey
- juice of one orange
Instructions
- Heat all ingredients in a saucepan until soft and smooth (about 5 minutes).
How about a nut free chooses? Are there any recipes?. My grand children have nut allergies.
M. Rubin, if your grandchildren are allergic to typical nuts like almonds, walnuts, chestnuts, etc., all of which are from related plants, that does not mean they’re likely to be allergic to pine nuts. Pine trees are more distantly related to chestnut trees than chestnut trees are to rice.
FANTÁSTICO !!!!!!
FANTÁSTICO
Hello Andy and Caroline, What a great recipe to have Chinese Charoset! My late husband was one of those Shanghailanders that was in the Shanghai Ghetto during World War 11. Your reference to the Fugu Plan was interesting – something I’m quite familiar with. I interviewed Rabbi Marvin Tokayer many years ago when I began MY JOURNEY ON A SLOW BOAT FROM AND TO CHINA. His book THE FUGU PLAN is amazing. I am going to make the Chinese Charoset for my Jewish seniors at a retirement home this week.
Hello! We have a blog on the History of Jews in China. Your family story is fascinating and we would love to include your story as an introduction to our blog. Would you be willing to share your story with Breaking Matzo? Please reply when you have a chance!
My grandmother (from Salonika) recipe is just grind/chop up 1 orange, 1 apple, & a handful of raisins.