Chèvre Stuffed Dates
15 Min
GF

Chèvre Stuffed Dates

Ramadan, one of the sacred pillars of Islamic culture, starts at the beginning of March this year and lasts until the end of the month. It’s a time for deep spiritual reflection, a time to slow physical and mental work as well as the rigor of abstinence from food and drink from dawn to dusk. The daily evening fast is broken after sunset by eating a meal called the iftar. Dates, with their high sugar, fiber and nutritional content are considered the best way to break the fast. They are easy to digest, making them a quick source of energy and nutrients by balancing the body’s glucose levels. This satisfies the sensation of hunger, which in turn helps to prevent overeating. 

Here are dates stuffed with a savory mixture of chèvre with a touch of minced serrano pepper to bring up the heat and aromatic minced mint leaves. Pistachios add crunch. The coriander seeds and lemon juice add a lemony flavor. These dates will keep for 2 to 3 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

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Cook Time

15 Minutes

Serves

10

Step 1
Make a slit on one side of each date and set aside.
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine the chèvre with salt, black pepper, coriander seeds, serrano, pistachios (saving a few for topping), mint, lemon juice and olive oil.
Step 3
Stuff each date with roughly a teaspoon of the chèvre mixture. Top with a small sprinkling of pistachios and a sprig of mint.

20 to 22 pitted Medjool dates

3/4 cup chèvre, at room temperature

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds

1 small serrano pepper, finely minced (optional)

1/4 cup chopped pistachios

3 tablespoons of finely chopped mint leaves

Juice of 1 lemon

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Mint sprigs for garnish

Notes & Variations

  • For a milder flavor, replace the chèvre with Greek yogurt, mascarpone or cream cheese.
  • The filling can be prepared up to 5 days in advance.
  • Regarding pistachios, it is best to toast them very slightly, so they don’t lose their vibrant green color. Try less than 5 minutes at 300°F.
Tags:
15 Min
GF

WE LOVE FIRST DATES.

And second dates, and third dates...

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