Date is a one-seeded oval berry fruit of Date palm tree, varying in shape and color based on the variety. They are different from light brown to dark brown and almost black. They contain a high energy amount, and the calorie content of dates is similar to that of other dried fruits, such as raisins and figs.
No matter what type is the Date, all dates are nutritious and healthy. They contain different minerals, proteins, vitamins, natural sugars, and Calcium which can satisfy many needs of the human body and prevent many health problems including anemia, osteoporosis, indigestion, hair and skin, and heart problems.
Considering they contain natural sugars this makes them the perfect addition to many sweet recipes. There are more than a hundred varieties but they can be classified into three simple sub-groups: soft, semi-dry, and dry. Depending on your recipe or your preference will determine which kind of date you need.
What Dishes or Desserts Can We Make Using Dates?
If you don’t like raw dates, you can use them to make different dishes, sweets, desserts, and drinks. Let's see what we can make with Dates.
Ranginak, a Delicious Dessert
Making this dessert is very easy, but it is extremely delicious at the same time. It originated in the south of Iran. To make Ranginak you need to remove the Date’s kernel (stone). Then you need to place some Walnuts inside the Date in the pit of the kernel. After that, you need to saute the flour with some oil (or butter) in a pan. Then you can add some cardamoms and cinnamon powder to the sauted flour.
Now you should cast some of this sauted four in a flat dish, and put the Dates with Walnuts in their belly on top of it. Then again pour some sauted flour on top of the Dates. Your Ranginag dessert is almost ready now. You can garnish your dish with Coconat Powder, Walnuts, Pistachios, or anything you like. It is best to put your dish in the refrigerator for a few hours before having and enjoying it.
Date Omelette
A Date Omelette can be considered a nutritious whole meal. It is very easy to be prepared and you don’t need much time to make it. You can have it as your breakfast or dinner.
You need 5 Dates per egg, two walnuts, and some salt and pepper. First, remove the Date kernels, then saute the Dates with some butter on a gentle flame until the Dates become soft. Then break the Walnuts into small pieces and add them to the sauted Dates. After that add the eggs and then a little salt and pepper. You can add Saffron if you like.
Hot Milk-Date
You probably think of Milk-Date as a cold drink, but it is very delicious hot as well. To prepare hot Milk-Date, for each glass of milk, you need five Dates and a dessert spoon of coconut powder. First, put the Dates in hot water for a while and then separate their skin. Then pour milk into a pan and put it on the stove. Boil the milk and while it is boiling, put the Dates inside the boiling milk, agitate the milk, and let the Dates become soft. Then, add the coconut powder and pour the mixture into the blender and mix it well. You can add Walnuts, Pistachios, or Almonds if you like. Serve it before it gets cold. Although If the Milk-Date gets cold, there will be no limitation for re-warming it. This tasty drink contains no artificial sugar and is healthy and extremely nutritious.
Date Halva
Date Halva is one of the traditional Iranian Desserts which is very tasty and nutritious at the same time. It is a healthy and rich dessert or snack which can be eaten at any time.
First of all, you need to take the date kernels out and remove their skin. You need to have 200 g of pitted and skinned Dates for the start. When ready, place it in a pot, add some boiling water, close the lid, and let the date remain in hot water for some time to become soft. After they are softened, use a mixer to smash them to make a uniform paste.
Then saute 100 g of flour in a pan on mild heat, and mix it continuously using a wooden spoon to prevent its burning. Saute the flour for almost 30 minutes. Then add some butter, cinnamon powder, and cardamom powder and mix them well enough to produce a soft and uniform paste.
After that, add the softened Dates and sesame seeds, and blend well. Continue mixing on mild heat until when it is almost like soft paste with a low amount of water. Then remove the pot from the heat, add Rose Water, mix it, and place it on mild heat again. Continue blending until it becomes soft and even, will a low amount of water and a proper concentration. Now your delicious Date Halva is ready. You can put it in a wide dish, flatten it with the back of a spoon, and garnish it with your desired nuts, like pistachios, Walnuts, Almonds, etc. You can serve and enjoy it with a hot drink.
There are so many other recipes for delicious sweets and desserts using Dates that can not be included in this single article. Maybe we can talk about them in our future articles.
