Our Favorite Sweet & Savory Ways to Enjoy Medjool Dates
Native to desert climates, the date palm tree is a nearly 100 foot tree with something special at the top: the edible, very sweet and very fibrous date fruit. At the Co-op, our farm direct fresh dates come from Arizona, where the hot, dry climate grows the sweetest, plumpest, dates that are the closest thing to candy Mother Nature could possibly create.
Of course, their sweet, fibrous texture lends itself well to sweet treats, but it also works well as a way to balance out the ingredients in savory dishes. Read on to discover some of our favorite ways to enjoy dates, from vegan-friendly frosting and bright winter salads to sheet-pan chicken and stuffed squash.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Tahini Stuffed Dates with Cinnamon Chocolate
Sweet dates, nutty tahini, and chocolate come together to create a better-for-you dessert that’s reminiscent of peanut butter chocolate cups.
Ingredients
8 large Medjool dates
2 teaspoons tahini
1 ounce semisweet chocolate
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
Directions
Using a paring knife, cut a slit the length of each date and slide out the pits. Scoop ¼ teaspoon tahini into the hollow of each date where the pit was, closing the date to contain the stuffing. Place the dates on a plate or in a tub.
Melt the chocolate in a bowl in the microwave or over-simmering water on the stove. Stir in the oil and cinnamon. Drizzle a little bit of the chocolate mixture over each date and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, if using.
Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Chocolate Matcha Energy Balls
Matcha for energy and antioxidants, dates for fiber and sweetness! Make a batch of these, toss them in the fridge, and pack them with your lunch on your next hike!
Ingredients
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup raw walnuts
1 cup pitted dates
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon matcha, divided
Pinch of salt
Directions
Place cashews and walnuts in the food processor and grind the nuts to a fine mince, then scrape them to the center of the container. Add the dates, maple syrup or honey, cocoa, 1 tablespoon matcha and salt. Process until the dates form a thick paste and the mixture holds together if you squeeze a bit of it.
Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture, form into a ball and place into a medium bowl; repeat until all of the mixture has been used. Use a wire mesh strainer to sift the remaining matcha over the balls. Roll the balls around to coat. Store, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Apple- and Date-stuffed Butternut Squash
Save this recipe for when apple season converges with butternut squash season!
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium sweet apples, peeled and chopped
6 large dates, pitted and chopped
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, slivered
1/4 cup pomegranate arils
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Lightly oil a sheet pan, and place the squash, cut side down, on the pan. Bake for 30 minutes. It will not be completely soft. Place on a cooling rack until cool.
While the squash bakes, place a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and add the onion. Stir for five minutes, add the apples and stir until hot, then reduce to medium heat for about 10 minutes to soften the apples. Add the dates, cinnamon and salt, and stir. Turn to low heat while the squash cools.
When the squash is cool enough to handle, use a paring knife to cut out the flesh, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch lining the shell. Place the shells on the baking pan, cut side up. Chop the flesh in ½-inch pieces. Add the squash to the apple mixture. Drizzle with the honey and stir to mix well, then spoon the mixture into the reserved squash shells. Gently pat down to compress.
Bake at 400 F for 30 minutes. Serve sprinkled with mint and pomegranate arils.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Co+op
Citrus Salad with Dates & Pistachios
Zesty in-season citrus is paired with sweet dates and crunchy pistachios in this beautiful winter salad from Feasting at Home!
Sweet, crunchy, peppery, and minty, this Moroccan-inspired citrus salad is colorful and full of texture.
It's all finished off with a homemade citrus vinaigrette made up of olive oil, vinegar, orange juice, and shallots.
Find the full recipe at Feasting at Home
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates.
Creamy whipped goat cheese is topped with sweet and savory candied bacon and fresh dates in this easy, but decadently delicious appetizer from Half Baked Harvest.
Festive and crave-worthy, try this dip at your next holiday gathering! And don’t forget the Co-op baguette for dipping!
Photo Courtesy of Once Upon a Chef
Sweet & Spicy Roast Chicken with Carrots, Dates & Pistachios
Featuring dates, fresh citrus, garlic, onion, carrots, and pistachios, this sheet pan roast chicken recipe is a sweet and spicy way to incorporate dates into a savory recipe.
Chicken thighs and drumsticks are marinated overnight with all the accompanying ingredients before being spread on a sheet pan and oven-roasted for 45 minutes.
Enjoy this simple dish as-is, or atop your favorite grain.
Date and Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Sweet dates and tangy balsamic vinegar are well-balanced in this simple, but elevated Brussels sprout side dish.
Brussels sprouts are oven-roasted before being tossed with a sweet and savory sauce of balsamic vinegar, chopped dates, garlic, and butter.
If you want a bit more salty and savory flavor, consider tossing in some chopped bacon and finishing it off with a sprinkle of parmesan or goat’s cheese.
Photo Courtesy of Minimalist Baker
Vegan Chocolate Frosting
Homemade vegan-friendly chocolate frosting, hold the added sugar!
In this recipe, dates are soaked and then popped into a food processor along with cashew butter, cacao, salt, vanilla, and dairy-free milk until a creamy, frosting-esque texture is achieved.
Enjoy this oil-free frosting on cakes, brownies, or just as a dip for fresh strawberries - yum!
Celery Salad with Lentils, Dates and Almonds
Fresh, crunchy, and packed with plant-based protein, this simple but elegant salad calls for just 6 main ingredients.
Celery stalks are thinly sliced and paired with cooked lentils, chopped dates, green onions, almonds, and a homemade lemon dressing.
Serve this salad alongside oven-roasted chicken or our marinated tofu.
Find the full recipe at Feasting at Home
More Date Recipes
Date Pudding from King Arthur Flour
Date Bars With Chocolate & Tahini from The Mediterranean Dish
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Stuffed Dates from Half Baked Harvest
Banana-Date Smoothie from The Kitchn
Vanilla Date Ice Cream from Proportional Plate