Dates Halva (Iraq)

Introduction

History

Dates Halva has been a popular dessert in Iraq for generations, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The combination of dates and nuts has long been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and this recipe showcases the rich flavors and textures of these ingredients.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When mixing the dates, nuts, and spices together, be sure to use your hands to ensure that everything is evenly distributed. Rolling out the halva on a surface dusted with icing sugar will prevent it from sticking and make it easier to cut into squares.

Serving Suggestions

Dates Halva can be served as a dessert on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. It can also be enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting end to a meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Dates Halva is to mix the dates, nuts, and spices together thoroughly before rolling out the mixture and cutting it into squares. Using your hands to mix the ingredients will ensure that everything is evenly distributed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have walnuts or almonds on hand, you can use other nuts, such as pecans or cashews, in this recipe. You can also substitute the ground cinnamon and allspice with other warm spices, such as ginger or cloves.

Make Ahead Tips

Dates Halva can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This dessert is perfect for meal prep or for serving at a gathering.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dessert more visually appealing, you can dust the squares of halva with additional icing sugar before serving. You can also garnish each piece with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Dates Halva pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. It can also be served alongside other Middle Eastern desserts, such as baklava or kunafa, for a sweet and satisfying spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Dates Halva can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a piece for a few seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dates Halva contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Dates are naturally high in carbohydrates, making them a great source of energy. This dessert is a sweet way to satisfy your sweet tooth while also getting a boost of carbs from the dates.

Fats

Walnuts and almonds are both high in healthy fats, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. This dessert provides a good balance of fats from the nuts and the natural oils in the dates.

Proteins

Nuts are also a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. This dessert provides a moderate amount of protein from the walnuts and almonds.

Vitamins and minerals

Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts, so it may not be suitable for those with nut allergies. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients before preparing this dish.

Summary

Dates Halva is a nutritious dessert option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Dates Halva is a delicious and nutritious dessert that showcases the rich flavors of dates, nuts, and warm spices. This traditional Iraqi recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also providing a boost of energy and essential nutrients. Enjoy this sweet treat as a dessert or snack for a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day in Baghdad, Iraq, and I was visiting my dear friend Fatima. She had invited me over for tea and conversation, and as always, her house was filled with the tantalizing aromas of spices and sweets.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on fragrant tea, Fatima suddenly disappeared into her pantry and emerged with a small, tattered notebook in hand. With a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, she handed me the notebook and said, "This is a special recipe that my grandmother passed down to me. I think you will appreciate it."

Intrigued, I opened the notebook to find a handwritten recipe for Dates Halva. I had heard of this traditional Iraqi dessert before, but I had never attempted to make it myself. The recipe was simple yet elegant, calling for just a few basic ingredients that were readily available in my own kitchen.

Fatima watched me closely as I read through the instructions, a smile playing on her lips. "Go on, give it a try," she encouraged me. "I have a feeling that you will love it."

And so, with Fatima's guidance and encouragement, I set to work in her kitchen, carefully following the steps outlined in the recipe. I mixed together finely chopped dates, toasted sesame seeds, and fragrant cardamom, creating a rich, sticky paste that smelled like heaven.

As the mixture cooked on the stove, filling the kitchen with its sweet aroma, Fatima and I chatted and laughed, sharing stories of our childhood and the recipes that had been passed down through our families for generations. It was a special moment of connection and camaraderie, and I felt grateful to have such a dear friend who shared my love of cooking and tradition.

Finally, after what felt like hours of stirring and simmering, the Dates Halva was ready. I carefully spooned the sticky, golden mixture into a shallow dish, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. Fatima and I waited impatiently for it to cool, the tantalizing scent of dates and sesame seeds filling the air.

When the Dates Halva had finally set, I cut it into small squares and presented it to Fatima with a flourish. She took a hesitant bite, her eyes widening in surprise and delight. "It's perfect," she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder and joy. "You have truly captured the essence of this traditional recipe."

And so, that day in Fatima's kitchen, I learned the recipe for Dates Halva. It was a moment of connection and discovery, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and bridge cultural divides. Since then, I have made Dates Halva many times, always thinking of my dear friend Fatima and the special bond we share over our love of cooking and tradition.

Categories

| Allspice Recipes | Almond Recipes | Dates Recipes | Halvah Recipes | Iraqi Desserts | Iraqi Recipes | Walnut Recipes |

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