Dates are about to take over the world! This tasty fruit is enjoying massive popularity lately as a natural way to sweeten foods. They’re in many energy bars you’ll find in stores, though they can be used in sweet and savory recipes alike.
# Middle Eastern Date Salad
Ingredients1 ½ cups dates, de-seeded and sliced;
1 cup cooked chickpeas;
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into wedge shapes;
1 tablespoon olive oil;
1 ½ tablespoons honey;
1 teaspoon paprika,
1 ½ teaspoons of roasted cumin seeds, ground to a powder;
2 cinnamon sticks, powdered;
a small bunch of fresh mint leaves, coarsely chopped and
salt
Method* First, blanch the carrot wedges, drain and keep aside.
* Next, make the salad dressing by whisking the ground cinnamon and cumin powders along with honey, olive oil, paprika and a dash of salt.
* Now, in a bowl, place the sliced dates, blanched carrot wedges and chickpeas.
* Stir in the salad dressing and then, coat the ingredients well with the salad dressing.
* Finally, garnish the wholesome this date salad with the chopped mint leaves and serve.
# Bengali Dates & Tomatoes Chutney
Ingredients10 dates, de-seeded and chopped;
200g tomatoes, diced;
1 teaspoon mustard seeds;
1 teaspoon roasted cumin seeds, ground to a powder ;
1 ½ teaspoons grated ginger;
1 tablespoon raisins;
1 ½ cups sugar, salt;
2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil and
1 cup water(or as desired)
Method* In a deep sauté pan placed over a medium heat, heat the oil.
* Add the mustard seeds and once they start spluttering, add the diced tomatoes.
* Cook for at least 5-10 minutes or until the tomatoes turn soft.
* Now add the roasted cumin powder, grated ginger, chopped dates, raisins, sugar, salt and water.
* Mix the ingredients and then, cook for at least 10 minutes or until the mixture is of a thick consistency.
* Remove from heat, pour this chutney into a bowl and then, serve, preferably chilled.
# Dates, Walnuts & Coconut Energy BallsIngredients2 cups dates, de-seeded and coarsely chopped;
1 ½ cups walnuts;
½ cup grated coconut;
1 tablespoon vegetable oil(preferably coconut oil) and
a dash of salt
Method* Put the chopped dates, walnuts, grated coconut, coconut oil and salt in a blender.
* Blend all these ingredients until a mixture of a sticky and uniform consistency is attained.
* Scoop out this mixture and form balls.
* Next, place these energy balls in a bowl, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set and then, serve.