Recipes using Dates

 

   Lamb and Date Stew


Ingredients


This dish is traditionally from Oman

• 2 pounds of boneless leg of lamb (or beef or camel meat) cut into 1 to 1 � inch pieces (or four pounds of meat with bones)
  LI>1 to 2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  
• � tsp. salt
  
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric
  
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
  
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp. cold water
• 1 cup of pitted dates
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 large cans of beef broth
  (14 1/2 ounces each; or beef bouillon with water)
  
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  
• 2 large onions, chopped
  
• cooked white rice
  
• 1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds (optional)
  

   Directions
1.In a mixing bowl combine the spices and salt.
2. Coat the meat with the seasoning mixture.
3. In a large, heavy skillet heat oil over medium-high heat.
4. Brown the meat in the hot oil. Add onions and garlic, and stir to combine.
5. Pour the broth over all, and bring to a boil.
6. Then, cover and simmer on the lowest heat for a couple of hours or till the meat is tender.
7. Skim fat from the surface of the juices. Stir cornstarch into the cold water; add to meat in the pan and stir.
8. Add the dates, and stir to combine.
9. Cover and simmer another 15 minutes or till mixture is slightly thickened and bubbly.
10. Serve hot over white rice and garnish with toasted almonds.




Date filled biscuits (cookies)

   Ingredients

3 cups of all-purpose white flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs
  
• 1/2 tsp. salt
  
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  
• 3/4 cup butter or margarine
  
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
  
  Filling
  
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
  
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  
• 8 ounces of pitted dates, cut up
  
• 1/2 cup sugar
  

   Directions
1. Sift the flour with the baking powder and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl mix the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually stir in the flour mixture until it is all well combined.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
5. Divide dough into four parts and refrigerate until ready to use. 6. The filling:
In a small saucepan combine the dates and sugar with 1/2 cup of water.
7. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until the mixture has thickened - about 5 minutes.
8. Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and walnuts. Cool completely.
9. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough, one part at a time, 1/8 inch thick. With a floured 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter, cut out cookies.
10. Re-roll trimmings and cut. Using a spatula, place half of the cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.
11. Spread 1 teaspoon of filling over each cookie. Cover with another cookie.
12. With a floured fork, seal the edges firmly. Also, prick the center of the cookie once with the fork.
13. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. 14. Remove to a wire rack, and cool. 15. For a variation:
use date paste mixed with chopped walnuts in place of the filling.




Date Shake!

   Ingredients

• 3/4 cups of dates (cubed and pitted)
  
• 1-1/4 cups Milk
  
• 1 pint Vanilla ice-cream
  

   Directions
1. Place dates and 1/2 cup milk in blender on high speed.
2. Blend until smooth
3. Add remaining cup milk and ice cream
4. Blend at low speed until mixed
5. Serve immediately

(Serves 3 - 4)




Hais

   Ingredients

• 2 2/3 cups bread crumbs
  
• 2 cups (about one lb) pitted dates
  
• 1/3 cups ground almonds
  
• 1/3 cups ground pistachios
  
• 7 tbsp. melted butter or sesame oil
  
• enough sugar

   Directions
1. Take the fine dry bread crumbs and mix together with the dates, almonds and pistachios
2. Knead together well with the hands (or food processor)
3. Pour in the butter, and mix in well.
4. Shape the mixture into small, 1 inch balls and dust with fine-ground sugar.

Say Bismillah and enjoy inshaAllah!

 

 

 

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