Iraqi haroset is as simple as it gets; so simple that it’s barely a recipe at all. Just mix date syrup with chopped walnuts, and you’re done. And the flavor? Earthy, deep and wonderful.
Date syrup, known in Israel as silan or date honey (though it is not actually honey), belongs to a family of fruit syrups that have been used in the Middle East for thousands of years, much like grape syrup, known in Arabic as dibs. It is available at Middle Eastern and kosher supermarkets, as well as online.
In fact, references to date syrup can be traced back to the Bible. According to Professor Abraham Ofir Shemesh of the Israel Heritage Department at Ariel University in Israel, “the term ‘honey’ in the Bible is not conclusive.” Depending on the context, it can refer to dates, date syrup or bee honey. “The seven species of the land of Israel refer to the agricultural crops of the land, and bee honey is not an agricultural crop but a natural resource in Israel at the time,” Shemesh adds. Mishnaic and Talmudic sources suggest that the honey mentioned in these texts refers either to date syrup or to dates themselves.
It’s no wonder, then, that for Iraqi Jews, date syrup extends beyond the Passover seder to the Rosh Hashanah seder, where it is used in place of honey for the blessing that calls for a sweet new year.
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Other uses in Jewish Iraqi cuisine include a simple, sweet dip made by mixing tahini with date syrup, creating a quick halva-flavored spread that pairs excellently with flatbread — or with matzah, for those who eat kitniyot during Passover.
Date syrup is extremely popular in Israel and features in countless recipes. I often substitute some of the honey in a recipe with date syrup to enhance the flavor profile, adding depth and a rich brown color. Date syrup has a slightly tart, less sweet taste compared to honey, so keep that in mind when using it.
A high-quality date syrup is made purely from dates, with no added sugar. When purchasing date syrup, always check the ingredient list and opt for brands that contain only dates. Once you start using it, you’ll discover endless culinary possibilities.
Iraqi Haroset Recipe
This easy haroset is so much greater than the sum of its parts.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
Ingredients
- ½ cup date honey (aka silan)
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts (or a combination of walnuts and peanuts), preferably toasted
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
Instructions
- Combine the date molasses, nuts and cardamom in a small bowl. Store at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Quick
- Cuisine: Basics
Nice sweet flavor but way too sticky.
This was super easy to make using toasted walnuts that were purchased toasted. It was easier to make than using the various recipes that use apples and it lasted longer…except folks ate it up quickly!