Ranginak is a delicious and nutritious sweetmeat that is traditionally prepared during the holy month of Ramadan in Iran. This delectable dessert is made using simple ingredients such as dates, walnuts, and flour, and is often garnished with a sprinkle of cardamom or cinnamon to add to its flavor. The word Ranginak in Persian means colorful, and true to its name, this dish is as colorful as it is flavorful. The dish has a brownish color, which comes from the dates used in the recipe, and it is often served on special occasions such as weddings, religious festivals, and other celebrations.
To make Ranginak, one starts by pitting and chopping the dates, followed by grinding the walnuts. These two ingredients are then combined and mixed with flour, butter, and a touch of sugar to create a dough-like mixture. This mixture is then placed in a round baking dish and baked in the oven until it is golden brown and fragrant. Once the Ranginak is cooked, it is removed from the oven and allowed to cool. Once cool, the sweetmeat is typically cut into small diamond shapes and served on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cardamom or cinnamon.
One of the key ingredients in Ranginak is dates, which are a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and are particularly important during the month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The addition of walnuts to the recipe provides additional nutritional benefits as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein. Walnuts are known to support brain health, promote heart health, and boost the immune system, making Ranginak not only a delicious treat but also a nutritious one.
Another notable aspect of Ranginak is that it is a relatively simple recipe that can be prepared easily at home with little fuss. This makes it an ideal dessert to serve during Ramadan when families come together to break their fast at sunset. In Iran, Ranginak is not only served during Ramadan but is also a popular dessert for weddings and other celebrations. It is often served alongside other traditional Persian dishes such as saffron rice, kebabs, and stews.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pitted dates
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup pistachios
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp rose water
- 1/4 cup water
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the sesame seeds on a baking tray and bake for about 10 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon powder together. Add the cooled sesame seeds and mix well.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the water and rose water and stir to combine.
- Add the flour and sesame mixture to the saucepan and stir well until it forms a thick paste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Chop the walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts into small pieces and mix them together in a separate bowl.
- Place the pitted dates in a food processor and blend until they form a smooth paste.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the date paste and the chopped nuts together until well combined.
- Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread half of the nut and date mixture evenly in the dish.
- Spread the flour and sesame paste on top of the nut and date mixture in the dish.
- Spread the remaining nut and date mixture on top of the flour and sesame paste layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once it has cooled, cut into small squares or diamond shapes and serve.
In conclusion, Ranginak is a delicious and nutritious sweetmeat that has been enjoyed in Iran for generations. It's simple recipe and health benefits make it an ideal dessert for Ramadan, weddings, and other celebrations. So why not try making it at home and enjoy this delightful Persian treat with family and friends.