5 date recipes you haven't tried yet
What's the story
Dates are a versatile, naturally sweet fruit that can be incorporated in a number of recipes. With their rich flavor and chewy texture, dates can be an excellent ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Be it a new dessert you're looking to create or adding a unique twist to your meals, dates can be the perfect addition. Here are five inventive date recipes you might not have tried yet.
Drive 1
Date and nut energy bars
Date and nut energy bars are an effortless snack to prepare, and a perfect pick-me-up between meals. Blend together pitted dates along with almonds, walnuts, or cashews until they become sticky. Place the mixture in a pan lined with parchment paper, and refrigerate till set. Cut into bars for a travel-friendly snack rich in natural sugars and healthy fats. You can customize these bars too by adding coconut flakes, chia seeds, etc.
Drive 2
Stuffed dates with cheese
Deliciously sweet and savory, stuffed dates with cheese make for an irresistible combination. Just pit some fresh dates and stuff them with soft cheese (goat cheese, cream cheese, etc.). For some extra crunch, you can even top them with crushed pistachios or almonds before serving them as an appetizer at parties or on a charcuterie board.
Drive 3
Date smoothie delight
A date smoothie is both refreshing and nutritious, ideal for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Just blend pitted dates with bananas, almond milk, and ice cubes till smooth. For added flavor, you can add vanilla extract or cinnamon powder to taste. This smoothie is naturally sweetened by the dates themselves without having to add more sugar.
Drive 4
Date paste sweetener substitute
Date paste makes an excellent natural sweetener substitute in baking recipes where sugar is usually used. To make date paste at home, soak pitted dates in warm water until soft before blending into a smooth consistency. Use minimal water if needed during blending itself, only when necessary so it remains thick enough but spreadable too. Use this paste instead of refined sugars when baking cookies, cakes, muffins, etc., ensuring healthier treats overall consumption-wise.
Drive 5
Roasted vegetable medley with dates
Roasted vegetable medley with carrots, parsnips, and red onions tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted at 200 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even caramelization. Finish by sprinkling with chopped parsley to serve as a warm side or main course.