Dates and dairy are ancient staples of the Middle East. This recipe, from Yvonne Maffei, who writes the popular cooking and nutrition blog My Halal Kitchen, combines the two into a luxurious dessert, for Ramadan or other feasts, with very little effort from the cook.

Ingredients

  • 12 large medjool dates
  • 24 whole almonds (preferably blanched), walnuts or pecans
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons crème fraîche
  • Freshly grated zest of 1 lemon or 1/2 orange (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped pistachios
  • Nutritional Information
    • Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

      170 calories; 3 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 1 gram monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 36 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 31 grams sugars; 2 grams protein; 2 milligrams cholesterol; 3 milligrams sodium

    • Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.

6 to 12 servings

Preparation

  1. Rinse and dry the dates. Make a clean cut along the side of each date to open, and remove the pit.
  2. Stuff each date with 2 whole almonds and lightly pinch closed. (The recipe can be made up to this point up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container.)
  3. When ready to serve, arrange dates cut sides up on a plate or platter. Drizzle on the crème fraîche, making a dollop on each date. Sprinkle on the citrus zest, then the chopped pistachios. Serve immediately, as finger food or on plates with a small fork and knife.

20 minutes

Dining and Cooking