Dates are one of the sweetest fruits in the world and are native to the Middle East. Fresh dates can be eaten as they are, and dried ones can be chopped and tossed into savory or sweet dishes. Dates are nutrient-dense foods that can help prevent chronic diseases due to their high antioxidant content. Dates are also rich in vitamin K, which is needed for strong bones and healthy joints. There’s so much you can do with them, but here are 7 easy recipes for you to make and enjoy with dates.
1. Date halwa
Give your basic halwa a twist with this easy recipe.
Ingredients
2 cup dates (pitted)
10 cashews (chopped)
½ cup ghee
1 cup warm water for soaking
2 tbsp corn flour
¼ tsp cardamom powder
½ cup water
Directions
Add the dates to the hot water and soak for 30 minutes.
Next, blend it into a smooth paste in a blender.
In a large skillet, add the ghee and dates paste and mix well on medium heat.
Keep stirring it till the ghee is absorbed, add 2 tbsp more of ghee, and continue cooking for 15 minutes.
2 tbsp corn flour and 12 cup water in another small bowl, stir until no limps remain.
Add this corn flour mixture to the date mixture and cook on medium heat, stirring continuously until thick and glossy.
In a pan, add 2 tbsp ghee and roast 10 cashews till they are brown.
Add the fried cashews and ¼ tsp cardamom powder to the halwa, and mix well.
Serve it once it cools down. Enjoy!
2. Eggless Date Cake
This is a simple eggless cake recipe that you can make with dates.
Ingredients
1 Cup dates
2 cups of milk
2 cup sugar
2 cup white flour
1/2 cup refined oil
2 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp almonds
Directions
Blend the dates, sugar, and milk till a smooth paste is formed.
Add the blended milk mix, refined oil, flour, and baking powder to a bowl and mix well with a spatula.
Sprinkle the almonds on the batter and mix well.
Pour this mix in a greased baking dish and bake in an oven for 40 minutes at 150 degrees C.
Once the time is up, insert a toothpick into the cake and check if it comes out clean. Serve and enjoy!
3. Sweet Date Chutney
The sweet chutney that you enjoy with pani puri, sev puri, and chaat can be made like this:
Ingredients
2 cup dates
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cumin and coriander powder
1 tsp red chili powder
2 tbsp lemon juice
1-2 tbsp sugar
Directions
Soak the dates in warm water for 30 minutes, or until soft.
In a blender, add the dates (along with the water used for soaking) and all the ingredients, and blend to form a smooth paste.
If you want the chutney to be thinner, you can add more water to it.
4. Laddoos with dates and nuts
Here is an easy and delicious recipe for laddoos using dates.
Ingredients
20 dates (pitted)
1/3 cup nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios)
2 tbsp desiccated coconut
Directions
In a pan, roast the nuts for a few minutes and set aside.
In the same pan, add the dates and heat them till they turn soft.
Blend the dates in a blender and set aside.
Chop the nuts coarsely and knead them with the date mix.
Take small portions of it and make small balls.
Roll them in desiccated coconut.
5. Rice with Coconut, Dates, and Lemon
Make this delicious rice recipe with dates and you’ll never stop making it.
Ingredients
3 cups coconut milk (or a mixture of coconut milk and soup stock or water)
1 cup basmati rice
1 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup pitted dates, sliced
1 tsp vanilla essence
Salt
1 1/2 tsp ground lemon zest
1/4 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Directions
In a saucepan, combine the rice, water, vanilla extract, and salt and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and set aside for 10 minutes to cool.
Add the rice to a serving dish and add dates, coconut, lemon zest, fennel seeds, and lemon juice to taste.
6. Dates Kheer
This easy-peasy kheer recipe made with dates is a real crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
25 seedless dates
1 tbsp ghee
½ bowl of almonds and cashews
2 cups of milk
½ tsp cardamom powder
For Garnishing
1 tsp ghee
1 tbsp cashews
1 tbsp of almonds
Directions
Add the ghee to a pan and sauté the seedless dates for a minute.
Add cashews and almonds and sauté till it becomes brown in color. Allow to cool.
To make a paste, combine this mixture with 1 cup of milk and set aside.
In the same pan on medium heat, add 1 teaspoon ghee and fry the cashews and raisins. Allow to cool.
Add the dates paste with 1 cup water and remaining milk, and boil. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
Set aside in a bowl to cool after adding the cardamom powder. Enjoy!
7. Dates salad recipe
Make this simple salad recipe with easy-to-find ingredients.
In a bowl, add some cooked quinoa, dates, apples, diced roasted sweet potatoes, and toasted walnuts, and add them with an apple cider vinegar and honey dressing.