Date nut roll is a delicious and nutritious snack or dessert made from dates, nuts, and often other dried fruits and spices. It’s naturally sweet, chewy, and packed with energy.
This dessert is liked by everyone for its soft and chewy texture, a slight crunch from the nuts and sweetness from the dates makes this a pleasing snack/dessert for all ages.The over all texture is similar to a dense granola bar.They’re a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting a boost of energy and essential nutrients.
The beauty of the dates and nuts rolls lies in its simplicity.With just few spaces from your panty, you can whip up a batch of these delicious and nutritious treats at home in no time.
Few additional facts that make the ingredient list appealing are
Accessibility : As most of the ingredients are readily available in the panty, you needn’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store to hunt obscure Ingredients.
Minimal Equipment : No fancy gadgets required to make these rolls, just a food processor or strong blender is needed.
Customizable: There is a lot of room for customization, add any types of nuts, make it to any shape as needed, rolls, balls or even bars. Add any of your favorite flavors to make it unique.
Healthy Snack : Packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, healthy fats, minerals and vitamins. It is a very satisfying snack option for all ages.
Overall, the simplicity of the ingredient list makes this one of the fantastic dessert choice.
- DATES(KHAJUR)
- FIGS(ANJEER),
- ALMONDS,
- WALNUTS,
- CASHEWS,
- CARDMOM
- POPPY SEEDS(optional)
WHAT MAKES THIS DESSERT SO DELCIOUS?
- NUTRITIOUS in every bite.
- All the ingredients are readily available in your pantry.
- No refined sugar added.
- Doesn’t need much ghee like traditional Indian sweets.
- Less complex to make and stores well.
- Can be a great snack for kids or an quick energy bite.
HOW TO MAKE DATES NUT ROLL?
Dates and figs provide the soft base for the rolls. They are also naturally sweetened, so there is no need to add any refined sugar to this recipe.
DATES & FIGS PASTE:
First lets de seed dates if using seeded ones. Chop the dates and into smaller pieces. This makes the blending easier.
Soak dry figs in hot water for 30 mins till soft. Drain them and blend dates and figs separately into a smooth paste.Use the pulse option if using a blender.
In a pan dry roast poppy seeds to golden brown. Using poppy seeds is complexly optional. They add a nice crunch to the dessert as well makes the rolls non sticky.
ROAST NUTS : Roasting nuts draws out the natural oils and sugars, while intensifying their inherent taste.They become deeper, richer and more aromatic adding a whole new dimension to the recipe.Some research suggests that roasting nuts can make their nutrients more readily absorbed by the body.
Dry roast all the nuts separately till slightly brown.
When cool chop them into tiny pieces or pulse them in a food processor. They should be coarse not powdered.
COOK DATES & FIGS PASTE:
Cooking the dates and figs paste make it a thicker as well enhances flavors and shelf life of this dessert.In a medium pan add a spoon full of ghee
In a medium pan add a spoonful of ghee and cook the dates and fig paste together. Use a wooden spoon and stir to avoid sticking to the pan.Use medium heat as a good starting point to prevent burning the paste. However, keep an eye on it as the sugar in the dates can caramelize quickly.
Cooking Time:
10-12 minutes: The cooking time you mentioned is a good range, but keep in mind that it will depend on the heat distribution of your pan and the amount of moisture in the ingredients. Start with 10 minutes and check the color and consistency before deciding if you need to cook it for a couple more minutes.
Color and Consistency:
Dark Brown: Your goal of a dark brown color is perfect, as it indicates caramelization and concentrated flavor. However, be careful not to let it burn, as that can give a bitter taste.
Thick and Spreadable: The paste should be thick and spreadable, but not dry or crumbly. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little bit of water or oil to adjust the consistency.
Flavors :To add even more depth of flavor, you can consider adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger during the cooking process.
Turn off the heat and let it cool completely.
SHAPING THE ROLLS:
At this point in the recipe, you have a delicious and versatile base for your date and nut treat. The possibilities to shape are endless, and you can choose the shape that best suits your preferences and occasion.Roll them into a log and slice them, make them into round balls or simply cut them into dessert bars.
No matter which shaping option you choose, you’re sure to have a delicious and nutritious treat on your hands.
Get creative and have fun with it!
Today let’s take our date and nut treats to the next level with a layered creation!
Today let’s take our date and nut treats to the next level with a layered creation! Here’s how to handle the portioning and mixing:
Setting Aside the Outer Layer:
- Take 1/3 of your cooked date paste and set it aside in a separate bowl. This will be used for the outer layer of our treats.
- Cover this portion with plastic wrap to prevent drying while you work with the remaining paste.
Mixing with Nuts:
- To the remaining 2/3 of the paste, add the chopped nuts that we made ready earlier.
- Mix the nuts and paste together until they’re evenly distributed and well combined.
- Use a spoon or your hands to ensure everything is incorporated.
Let’s get hands-on! Roll the date and nut paste into a firm cylinder. Feel free to use parchment paper for ease or lightly grease your surface with ghee for a smoother touch.
Spread the remaining date mixture into a thin layer, big enough to comfortably wrap around your nut roll.
Gently place the roll in the center, then fold the sides over it like a blanket. With gentle rolls and presses, transform it into a smooth, cylindrical masterpiece!
Sprinkle poppy seeds and roll to cover completely.
Cover with a plastic foil and refrigerate for 30 mins before slicing it.
Curious to see how it all unfolds? Head to the 5 minute video below for a step-by-step demonstration!
TOP TIPS TO MAKE THE DATES ROLL
- Use Medjool dates as they are softer if available.
- Do not over roast the nuts, it alters the taste of the final dessert. Roast on low flame for only a minute or two.
- You can avoid figs if you want to, double the dates quantity.
- You can combine the whole dates fig mixture in the nuts and shape them into roll and slice it or shape them into balls if desired.
- Working with dates mixture can be messier at times.Use a parchment paper or grease a cleaned counter top with ghee. Add a polytene bag or aluminum foil whatever works for you.
- Alternate the choice of nuts in the recipe, can be anything from cashews , walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios etc.
- Instead of poppy seeds use chopped nuts , coconut flakes, oats etc for garnish.
WATCH DATES NUTS ROLL RECIPE VIDEO HERE
Dates and Fig Nuts Roll
Equipment
- Medium Pan
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Food Processer/Blender
Ingredients
To Grind
- 250 gms Medjool Dates
- 150 gms Dry Figs
To dry roast
- 2 tbsp Poppy Seeds (optional) for garnish only
- 70 gms Almonds
- 70 gms Walnuts
- 70 gms Cashews
To Cook
- 2 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter)
For Flavor
- 4 Cardmom (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- De seed dates and chop them into small pieces if using softer (medjool dates), if dates are hard soak them in hot water for 30 mins. Drain and blend to a smooth paste.Soak dry figs in hot water for 30 mins till soft.Drain and blend to a smooth paste.
Dry Roast Nuts
- Take a meduim pan dry roast poopy seeds to golden brown.Dry roast all the nuts seperately till slightly brown and when cool chop them into tiny pieces They should be coarse not powdered.or pulse them in a food processor.
Cook
- In the same pan add ghee and cook the dates and fig paste till combined. Press with spoon or spatulla to combine.Cook for 10-12 mins till the paste is dark brown in color.The sugar in the dates carmalizes.Add Cardmom powder and turn of the heat and set aside to cool.
To make a Roll
- In a bowl add 1/3 dates paste and mix to the coarse nuts and shape it into a cylinder by pressing and roll to avoid any air bubbles.
- On a parchment paper or clean counter spread the rest of the date mixture enough to cover the nut roll.Place the nut roll on the center and cover it completely.
- Shape it into a cylinder by rolling and pressing.Sprinkle poppy seeds and roll to cover completely.
- Roll tightly on parchement paper or cling wrap and refrigerate for atleast 4-5 hrs preferbaly overnight.Slice the roll in 1 inch wide pieces or as desired. Serve accordingly.
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK !!!
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