In Morocco there is a really unique holiday called Mimouna. It really only happens there or in communities that have a Moroccan Jewish diaspora population. It happens the day after Passover and and marks the start of spring and the return of chametz or bread products.
Last year I wrote a whole post with many more details about the holiday – I really think it’s worth a read. What I really love about this holiday is that it breaks down some stereotypes. As I mentioned in my earlier post, my husband grew up in the kasbah of Marrakech, which is near the mellah or area of town where many Jews lived.
He remembers this holiday, the treats that were made and sold and that Muslim neighbors would bring bread or other baked goods to their Jewish neighbors to celebrate. His mom has even more memories of this time as when she was younger the Jewish population of Morocco was much larger.
I created this easy recipe for a Moroccan style haroset. Haroset, sometimes spelled charoset, is a fruit and nut paste eaten at Passover seders. It’s meant to symbolize the mortar used by the Israelites during their enslavement in Egypt. There are really a lot of different ways it is made, dependent on geography. I’ve seen several different variations for a Moroccan version and decided on the ingredients based on my experience with ingredients in the country.
The paste made can be left as a paste and spread on matzoh or eaten with a spoon or it can be rolled into balls. I decided on making the balls because there are a lot of other Moroccan sweets done similarly. It really felt most true to what would be done in Morocco.
Even if you’re not celebrating Passover I think this is a great snack.
It’s healthy, easy to make and store, and unique. If you’re not sure what Passover (or a seder) is, my friend Laura of Mother Would Know did a great interview with Yvonne of My Halal Kitchen to answer all of her questions about this holiday!
Moroccan Haroset Balls
An easy and nutritious snack to make for Passover or anytime of year.
Ingredients
- 8-10 dried, pitted prunes
- 6-9 pitted dates
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 4 Tbsp raw honey
- 2-3 Tbsp grape juice or kosher wine (reserve for end)
- sugar (optional)
- finely ground almond flour to roll the haroset balls
Instructions
- It is very important to pit the dates and prunes used in this recipe. So take a minute to make sure they are pitted!
- The next step is really easy - simply toss everything into a food processor and blend it together.
- After you've mixed everything take a taste. If the mixture is really thick add some grape juice or kosher wine. If it tastes too bitter add a little bit of sugar. That being said this is not meant to be overly sweet.
- To roll the haroset balls, take a piece of the mixture about the size of large olive and roll into a ball.
- Next, roll it in the ground almonds and set aside.
- Continue with the remaining mixture until it has all been used.
- To store, keep in a cool place, but don't refrigerate, in a tightly sealed container.
Jojo
Wednesday 5th of April 2023
Ancient women would have had a real workout, combining these ingredients to fulfill this recipe but it definitely looks fantastic. I cannot wait to try and will definitely be using my food processor. . Happy Passover to all.
Amanda Mouttaki
Sunday 9th of April 2023
They sure did!
Alfred
Wednesday 24th of March 2021
Great recipe. Thats the way to do it.
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