Emirati Al Madrooba Breakfast (Printer-friendly)

A creamy date and ghee spread offering a rich, flavorful boost for breakfast or snacks.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Date Paste

01 - 14 oz pitted Medjool dates (soft and fresh preferred)

→ Fat

02 - 3 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)

→ Flavoring (optional)

03 - 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
04 - Pinch of sea salt

# How-To Steps:

01 - If using whole dates, remove pits and chop them coarsely.
02 - In a medium nonstick pan, melt the ghee over low heat.
03 - Add the dates to the pan and mash continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture softens and forms a thick, smooth paste.
04 - Sprinkle in ground cardamom and a pinch of salt if using, stirring until fully combined and the paste is glossy and creamy.
05 - Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before serving.
06 - Serve warm or at room temperature with fresh flatbread or enjoy by the spoonful.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It transforms five simple ingredients into something that tastes like comfort wrapped in a spoon.
  • Ready in 15 minutes, yet feels like you've been cooking all morning.
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, no substitutions needed unless you want them.
02 -
  • Low heat is non-negotiable—high heat will toast the dates and turn them bitter, and you'll spend the next ten minutes wondering what went wrong.
  • The paste will thicken more as it cools, so pull it from the heat when it looks slightly softer than you think it should be.
03 -
  • If you blend the dates in a food processor before cooking, the paste becomes even smoother and the whole process takes half the time.
  • Cardamom is optional, but once you taste it, you'll understand why it's whispered into almost every Emirati sweet thing—it's the secret language of the kitchen.
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