Delicious Date Recipes for Ramadan

Dates are a staple for Muslims around the world during the month of Ramadan. Other than having it all on its own, here are a few recipes for you to try that include dates. But first, let’s learn more about the significance of dates and the types of dates that are available.

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Significance of dates

It is popular to break our fast with dates because the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates for they are blessed. If they are not found, let him break it with water for it is pure.” [Tirmidhī]

The date palm is one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world and is seen as a symbol of blessings and prosperity. Dates are high in nutrients and are a great source of strength and energy. They are also high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars, which makes them an ideal food to sustain the body during fasting.

Types of dates

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There are over a few hundred types of date cultivars in the world. Other than the 7 that were previously covered (Medjool, Deglet Noor, Barhi, Halawi, Khadrawi, Safawi, Mazafati), here are 3 more dates that are popular.

Ajwa Dates

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is said to have recommended Ajwa dates for their health benefits. It is the most popular variety in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Ajwa dates are smaller and less sweet compared to Medjool dates,

Ajwa dates are blackish and round, making them darker than Medjool and Deglet Noor dates. The texture is firm, and its taste is comparable to chocolate, amber, and caramel.

Piarom Dates

Originating from Southern Iran, Piarom dates (also known as Maryami dates) are famous for their natural sweetness and are recognized as chocolate dates. Its name, “chocolate dates,” comes from the fact that it is a healthy substitute for refined sugar.

Piarom dates are dark brown with a thin skin and chocolate flavor. It has fewer calories than other date varieties, making it a good option for people with diabetes. It has a similar taste to toffee but is less sweet than Medjool.

Rabbi Dates

Native to Iran, Rabbi dates are one of their most important agricultural products. It is known for being sweet, flashy, and soft. It is recommended by nutritionists because of its high vitamin content.

Rabbi dates are mostly reddish in color, a feature that sets them apart from other date varieties. They are also semi-dry with lower moisture content, making it have a longer shelf life.

Date Dessert Recipes

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With all the benefits and variety that we know, it’s time to explore date recipes to try. Here are 2 dessert recipes for you!

Dubai Chocolate Dates

With all the buzz about Dubai chocolate, here is a fun twist on it with Dubai chocolate dates.

Ingredients

• 1 cup kunefe Pastry
• 12 - 15 Medjool dates: You can use any dates, but Medjool dates are best as they’re large enough to hold plenty of pistachio kunefe filling
• 2 tbsp pistachio Creme for the kunefe pastry
• 1 cup chocolate: you can use a full chocolate bar or chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• Optional: roasted pistachios

Preparation

1. Line a tray with non-stick baking paper. Cut a slit in each Medjool date and remove the pit.
2. Cut the kunefe into small pieces (about 1 cup for 12-15 Dubai chocolate dates). Preheat a pan, add some ghee, and let it melt. Add kunefe, stirring frequently while breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once golden and crisp, remove it from the heat.
3. Transfer the cooked kunefe to a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of pistachio creme, and mix well. If needed, add more pistachio creme for a creamier texture.
4. Fill each date generously with the kunefe pistachio mixture, packing it in firmly.
5. Melt chocolate with a little coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
6. Dip the stuffed side of each date into the melted chocolate and place it on the lined tray with the chocolate side facing up. Crush pistachios into small pieces (a freezer bag and a wooden spoon work great!) and sprinkle them over the melted chocolate for a decorative touch.
7. Place the dates in the fridge for 20 minutes or until the chocolate hardens completely.
8. Once the chocolate has fully hardened, transfer the dates to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the fridge.

Tips: Choose soft or slightly soft dates. Dates can become quite firm after chilling in the fridge, making them tough to bite into.

Recipe credit to Mariam.

No-bake Brownie Truffle Date

The perfect sweet treat for you to enjoy after breaking your fast.

Ingredients 

• 1 cup medjool dates, soaked in hot water
• ⅓ cup almond butter
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp almond milk
• dark chocolate for coating
• optional toppings: crushed nuts, sprinkles, unsweetened cocoa powder, shredded coconut flakes

Preparations

1. Soak the dates in hot water for at least 20 minutes to soften
2. Blend dates with almond butter, cacao powder, vanilla and almond milk to form the batter
3. Roll the mixture into balls with wet hands, then let them harden in the freezer for 10 minutes
4. Coat the balls in melted dark chocolate
5. Place back into the freezer to set, and enjoy!

Tips: The rolling part may get a little messy, but wetting your hands between each one can help things go more smoothly!

Recipe credit to Something Nutritious.

Recipes to try for iftar or Suhoor

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Date Caramel overnight oats

A simple but filling and nutritious option for your Suhoor.

Ingredients

Oats base

• 1 cup oats
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Date caramel

• 1 cup soaked dates (Soak in hot water for at least 5 minutes until softened)
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp vanilla

Preparation

1. Add all ingredients for the oat base into a cup/container. Leave in the fridge.
2. Soak dates in hot water for at least 5 minutes or until softened.
3. Add date, coconut milk, salt, and vanilla in a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Add to oats and serve!

Spiced Lamb and Date Tagine

Inspired by traditional Moroccan tagine. You will need a tagine dish or heavy-based pan and this recipe serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 1 kg leg of lamb
• butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 500ml water
• 3 tbsp chopped dates
• 3 tbsp salt
• 3 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 8 fresh dates
• 55g toasted almonds
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Preparation

1. Get the lamb cut into even cubes about 14cm
2. Melt the butter and oil together in a tagine or heavy-based pan and seal the meat on all sides
3. Add the onions and cook them really, really slowly until translucent
4. Now you can add those heady spices and stir them until their aroma is released
5. Pour in the water and drop in the chopped dates. Season well, then cover and cook really slowly until the meat is as soft as butter: 1—1½ hours
6. To finish, stir in the honey and lemon juice
7. Scatter on the fresh dates, then sprinkle on the toasted almonds and sesame seeds.

Tip: Make sure you have plenty of bread to mop up the delicious sauce. You can also switch out the lamb for any other meat of your preference.

Recipe credit to Nadia Sawalha.

Final Words

Dates are more than just a nutritious staple for breaking fast—they’re a delicious and versatile ingredient that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re making a hearty suhoor, a satisfying iftar dessert, or a creative snack, these date recipes bring flavor, energy, and tradition to your Ramadan meals.

Try incorporating dates into your daily menu and experience the perfect balance of taste and nourishment. Looking for more Ramadan food inspiration? Check out our collection of simple suhoor recipes to keep you energized throughout the holy month!