Cooking with dates
Dorrazone showing you how Cooking with dates can add natural sweetness, rich flavor, and a touch of luxury to both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some creative and delicious ways to incorporate dates into your cooking, it is easy, delicious, adding taste to your cook:
Sweet Recipes
Date and Walnut Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chopped dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a bowl, pour boiling water over the chopped dates and let sit for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Stir in the soaked dates (including any liquid) and walnuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the toffee sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the date mixture.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
To make the toffee sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cream, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla.
Serve the cake warm, drizzled with toffee sauce.
Savory Recipes
Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Dates and Almonds
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup pitted dates, halved
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or tagine over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
Stir in the ginger, cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken thighs and brown on all sides.
Pour in the chicken broth, and add the dates and almonds. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve with couscous or rice.
Tips for Cooking with Dates
Chopping Dates: Dates can be sticky. For easier chopping, lightly oil your knife or use kitchen scissors.
Softening Dates: If dates are too dry, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften before using.
Natural Sweetener: Use dates as a natural sweetener in smoothies, oatmeal, and baked goods to reduce refined sugar.
These recipes and tips can help you explore the versatility of dates in both sweet and savory dishes, adding a touch of sweetness and richness to your meals.
