It’s a Date!
By Majida Makhamreh Nasrawi,
Food Blogger
We all know how great dates are for our health – they are full of fibre, relieve constipation and are a super energy booster in Ramadan. Here’s your go-to-source of replenishment this month!
Banana & Date Smoothie
This smoothie is a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth! Sweetened naturally with dates, this smoothie is going to be your new favourite drink
Ingredients
1 cup milk
1 ripe banana
4-5 pitted dates
1 frozen banana
2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
Directions
Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. If you like it thinner, add more milk.
Crispy Kale Salad with Dates, Pear & Avocado
Ingredients
1 large bunch of kale, leaves torn into small pieces
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper
1 avocado, sliced
6 medjool dates, pitted and chopped
1-2 pears, sliced
¼ cup pumpkin seeds
For the basil apple cider vinaigrette
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp maple syrup
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp whole grain Dijon mustard
Directions
1. Rub the kale leaves in 1 tbsp of olive oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl until kale is tender and turns a brighter shade of green
2. Mix all vinaigrette ingredients
3. In a large bowl of kale pour dressing and toss to coat
4. Top your greens with sliced avocado, sliced pear, chopped dates and pumpkin seeds
Date & Pecan Bread
Ingredients
1½ cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup pecans, chopped
1 tbsp melted butter
1 cup boiling water
1 cup chopped dates
1 egg
¾ cup brown sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 180°C
2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the chopped pecans and mix well
3. In a medium bowl, combine the dates and boiling water. Mix well and let sit for a few minutes
4. In a large bowl, whisk the egg, then add the sugar and butter. Add the date mixture and whisk again. Add the dry ingredients and stir until combined
5. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 55 minutes