Stuffed Dates with Creme Fraiche
Muslims all over the world are embarking on another blessed month of fasting (Ramadan) from food and drink (pre-dawn to sunset) in order to re-focus on what is spiritually important in their lives. Although they’ll be breaking the fast in different ways around the world, according to their own particular and culturally desirable tastebuds, one food that will probably make it to every Muslim’s table is the date of some variety (i.e. Medjool, Deglet Noor, etc.).
The reason Muslims will do this is to follow the tradition of the way Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) broke his fast nearly 1400 years ago, with dates. There are many varieties of dates: Medjool, Deglet Noor, Halawy, just to name a few. My personal favorite is the Medjool date because it is soft and thick and doesn’t taste too sweet. I also love them because they can be stuffed with crunchy things like almonds, hazelnuts or any kind of nut you prefer, adding texture and flavor to an already-delicious gift of food.
If you’re having guests over for Iftar, or would just like to make a pretty presentation of your dates, you might want to try my recipe for Dates with Cream. I use a recipe for homemade crème fraiche to dollup on top, but you can use store-bought fresh creme fraiche or another type of all natural cream, if that’s what you have.
Serves 3 (if you are serving one date per person, otherwise double or triple this recipe)
Ingredients
- 3 large Medjool dates
- 9 whole roasted almonds
- 3 tablespoons or dollups of creme fraiche
- lemon or orange zest
- several pistachios, roughly chopped
Directions
- Wash and dry the dates. Make a clean cut to open the date and remove any pits.
- Stuff each date with 3 whole almonds and close them.
- On a plate or platter, arrange the dates in a row. Dollup the creme fraiche on top of each one. Finish with lemon or orange zest and chopped pistachios.
Serve at room temperature with small forks for those who prefer it.
When breaking the fast it is sunnah (a tradition of Prophet Muhammad) to say, “Allahumma laka sumtu wa ‘ala ridhqika aftartu” (O Allah! For You did I fast and with Your bounties did I break the fast).
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I just stumbled on your blog, and I am in LOVE! I’ll be making these tonight for Iftar!
beautiful blog! glad i found it!
Thank you for visiting-I’m glad you stopped by!
Salams, I can’t believe it! I was looking for a recipe for stuffed dates and I instantly thought of your site, just to see if you would have something in the search engine, sure enough, you had it at the first listing. I am hoping to make your yummy creations on Sat for a lot of friends. YIPPEE
wasalaam Khadija, thank you so much for thinking of MHK as a source for your halal recipes! Please come back and tell us how your guests enjoyed the recipe!
I used your creme fraishe recipe for this. I had never had creme fraishe before (I don’t think, unless I just didn’t realize it) so when I tasted it and noticed it didn’t have a sweetness to it at all I was a little skeptical. But I thought “just try it, what harm in it?” MASHA’ALLAH it was so delicious! Everything compliments so well, and it was so easy to make. The plate was gone in a flash, so yummy masha’Allah. Insha’Allah I want to make this regularly, even after Ramadan is over. 🙂
I am hoping to make your yummy creations on Sat for a lot of friends. YIPPEE
I am in LOVE! I’ll be making these tonight for Iftar!