How to Make Date Paste (with or without cardamom)

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Sweet and nutritious Date Paste has many uses, especially in baking and as a sugar substitute in recipes. My personal reason for coming up with this recipe was to use it in the Middle Eastern date cookies known as "Kleicha" or "Kileche" in Assyrian.

I usually purchase date paste twice a year, which is how often I make Kileche. Traditionally, we make these cookies for Christmas and Easter.

Kileche are prepared with a few different fillings. This includes walnut, coconut, and dates. I usually have walnuts and coconut at home but not so with date paste.

As the saying goes: "necessity breeds invention." This recipe was a life-saver for me and I'm hoping it helps you out of a baking jam too!

Date Paste Recipe

Ingredients

• 13 oz. dates
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp. cardamom
• 2 tsp. vegetable oil

Recipe Directions

Remove the pits from the dates and weigh dates to get approximately 13 ounces.

Place dates in a small saucepan and cover with 1/4 cup water.

Sprinkle the dates with cardamom powder and simmer over low heat for approximately 5 minutes or until the dates are tender.

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Pour contents of the pan into a food processor and process until the desired consistency is reached.

The dates don't have to be super-smooth for using in Kileche, but if you want a smoother texture, give it a few extra whirls.

Add oil to the same saucepan that was used to cook the dates. Pour date paste back into the saucepan and saute until the dates take on a darker color. This should take approximately 5 minutes.

Taste the paste to adjust the flavor if necessary. You might want to add more cardamom; I always do! 😬

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can You Keep Date Paste?

Date paste can last for months when stored in the refrigerator. Simply store in an airtight container and refrigerate until needed.

Can You Freeze Date paste?

Yes, freezing this paste is a great way to store it until you're ready to use it. Simply store in a Ziploc bag and allow to come to room temperature before using it.

What Dates Are best for making Date Paste?

If I had to choose between Medjool dates and Deglet Noor dates, I would choose Medjool dates every time.

Medjool dates are larger and juicier than Deglet Noor dates, which also makes them the best option for making Stuffed Dates and Date Syrup or Molasses.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, check out the visual difference between the two. Medjool Dates on the left, and Deglet Noor on the right.

Cook's Tips

• Toasting the dates in the last step of the recipe is necessary to bring out the flavor of the dates and to get rid of the extra moisture in the dates.
• Use the date paste to make tasty date energy balls or use as a spread to make peanut butter and date sandwiches.
• Add natural sweetness to protein shakes, smoothies, and baked goods with a few spoonfuls of the paste.
• If you don't have cardamom powder, cinnamon would be a great substitution.

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