Make it a date Weekend kitchen
Dates provide natural sweetness and extra goodness in this trio of easy-to-make recipes, says NZ House & Garden’s Sally Butters.
Date porridge with coffee syrup
Coffee, dates and porridge – what could be a better start – or end – to the day? This recipe serves one but it’s easy to make it for more.
Porridge
2 medjool dates, plus 1-2 extra
for topping
Cacao nibs for sprinkling 1 shot espresso
About 2 tbsp maple syrup Plain yoghurt to serve Make porridge to your usual recipe, adding 2 chopped dates. Spoon into bowls and scatter with extra chopped dates and some cacao nibs.
Combine espresso with an equal quantity of maple syrup. Pour mixture over porridge and top with a good dollop of yoghurt. Serves 1
Date & almond pilaf
Scented with warm spices, this rice dish pairs beautifully with other Middle Eastern or Moroccaninspired dishes for a banquet-style meal, or you can enjoy it with plain yoghurt and warm flatbread. 1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 thumb ginger, finely chopped
1⁄2 tsp ground cumin
1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon
1⁄2 tsp ground turmeric
2 cups cooked long grain rice, such
as basmati
1⁄2 cup pitted dates
Handful of sliced almonds Coriander leaves and chilli flakes
for garnish
Heat butter and oil in a pan and saute onion, garlic and ginger until softened. Add cumin, cinnamon and turmeric and season well with salt and pepper. Cook for several minutes then mix in rice, dates and almonds.
Garnish with coriander and chilli flakes. Serves 2-4
Date & apple bake
This simple, rustic slice of old-fashioned comfort is lovely served warm with caramel sauce or cream.
3 medium-sized apples
1 cup roughly chopped pitted dates 1⁄2 cup desiccated coconut 1 orange, finely grated zest
plus 1 tbsp juice
1⁄2 cup brown sugar
25g butter, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten
3⁄4 cup self-raising flour
Heat oven to 190C. Grease and line a 20cm square baking pan.
Peel and very thinly slice apples. Place in a large bowl with dates, coconut, orange zest and juice, brown sugar, butter and egg. Mix through flour.
Spread mixture in prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes until lightly browned. Serves 8-9