Dates are widely cultivated across Northern Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It's quite a sweet fruit with many health benefits. It's high in fiber and antioxidants that may help in disease fighting. It's high in fiber and calorie nature helps you feel full faster, and keeps you going longer through the day.
This delightful recipe excellently showcases the fruit's sweetness and versatility. You may have this dish as a snack or a light meal such as a light breakfast if you're not feeling like eating a hearty one but needs the nutrition to get through the day.
Usually, I always use Medjool dates in the recipe. I use it primarily for it's size and sweetness which are perfect for use in cooking. You may drizzle it with honey when serving if you have a sweet tooth, or if you're a bit out there like me, dipping it in some Thai chili sauce to give it a bit of a kick and mellow out it's sweetness.
Note that if you feel that the dates are already sweet enough you do not need to add the sugar in this recipe. You may also add more flour to the batter if you feel that it is too watery.
Recipe
Ingredients (serves 8 people comfortably)
22 dates (preferably Medjool)
300g all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp white granulated sugar (optional)
2 large eggs
1 cup cold plain water
1/4 cup plain water
Cooking oil (for frying)
Preparation
1. Remove the pit from all the dates.
2. Slice the pitted dates into quarters.
3. Sift the flour in a large bowl. Then, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, and water in the same bowl.
4. Add the dates into the batter and whisk until well combined.
5. Heat the oil in frying pan.
6. Scoop the batter with the dates in it with a spoon and gently drop it in the oil.
7. Fry the batter and remember to turn it over to fry both sides evenly until golden brown.
8. Once done, drain it on a paper towel to remove excess oil and serve.