Veg tagine, tahini: Enhance savoury dishes with dates

Think dates, and some of the most delish desserts pop up in the head like a 30-second Instagram reel. But the humble date fruit can not only be the hero of sweet dishes but can elevate savoury dishes too. With Ramadan, it’s the season for dates to take centre stage, and experts give you ideas on how to look beyond the regular date desserts. Says executive chef Ishijyot Surri, “Many people mistakenly believe that dates can only be used for sweet dishes or desserts. Their distinctive taste profile makes dates ideal for savoury dishes because they introduce additional complexity and help balance flavours when combined with different ingredients.”

Chef Ishijyot Surri says, “The plump and naturally caramel-flavoured Medjool dates are perfect for filling with spiced nuts or cheese. Gravies and chutneys benefit from their soft texture which mix well into dishes. Deglet Noor dates combine firmness and subtle sweetness to enhance salads and grain dishes as well as kebab mixtures while preserving balance in flavours.”

Chef Afshan Khan adds, “While the primary flavour of dates is naturally sweet, they offer a wide range of uses. A purée of dates drizzled over balsamic-glazed roasted chicken creates a perfect sweet-tangy contrast, while chopped dates in an arugula salad with feta and olives provide a delicious balance to the salty and savoury elements.”

Prepare date dishes, but make it savoury

The versatility of dates makes them ideal to use in different cuisines as well as dishes. Chop and add them to salads or in sauces or in stuffing for non-vegetarian dishes, say experts. Chef Afshan Khan shares, “Dates are a superfood, and extremely versatile. There is a common trope that dates can only be used to add or elevate sweetness to a dish. However, when paired correctly, they also add depth to the flavour profile. In a Kerala lamb stew with dates in it, the broth could’ve tasted like saccharine, but it amalgamated with the spices so well, leaving behind very complex and umami notes.”

Dates are used in Indian curries, North African stews, and Middle Eastern tagines. “Because of their adaptability, dates can be used in a variety of dishes, from a hearty marinade for meats to a delicate salad garnish, showing that they are not just for salads,” says chef Abhinas Nayak, adding, “Dates complement nutty, smoky, and spicy flavours very well, and balance heat and provide complexity to recipes that use strong spices like cumin, coriander, and smoky paprika. Their natural sweetness also contrasts beautifully with salty, acidic, and umami components.”

Ways to use dates in savoury dishes

* Add dates to gravies like mutton korma and to delicious stuffing for veggie dishes like bharwan tinda, spiced date and nut-stuffed koftas or khajoor and sesame tikkis

* Purée dates to prepare a marinade with balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and spices. The remaining marinade can then be turned into a sauce

* Stuff medjool dates with creamy goat cheese or spiced paneer

* Combine toasted nuts and fresh herbs with khajoor and olive tapenade, perfect for serving on crisp crackers and naan crisps

* Skewer dates and pair with marinated feta and roasted peppers; drizzle with honey and chilli

* Pair dates with roasted vegetables like spiced sweet potatoes, carrots, and brussels sprouts to balance with their earthy and smoky flavours when paired with dates

* Add chopped dates to pulao, biryani or khichdi to introduce richness while pairing well with warm spices such as cinnamon and cloves

* Make a salad of quinoa mixed with chopped dates, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs, or roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots tossed with dates and a drizzle of balsamic reduction

* A traditional sweet and spicy tomato side dish called tomato khajuri khatta

* Make a dressing by combining dates and olive oil mixed with vinegar and garlic along with warm spices

* Combine dates with tamarind and roasted cumin along with chilli to create a tangy chutney suited for Indian-inspired chaats and kebabs

* Coat roasted vegetables with a glaze that combines dates with mustard, ginger, and citrus

* Add dates to tomato-based gravies used in curries such as butter chicken and paneer masala

Why add dates to your diet?

* High in fibre: Aids digestion

* ⁠Rich in antioxidants: Protects against oxidative stress

* ⁠Good source of potassium: Helps maintain healthy heart function

* ⁠Natural energy booster: Quick source of energy due to its natural sugars

* ⁠Supports bone health: Contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus

Pro tips

* Avoid overpowering flavours in dishes by using dates in small amounts and combining them with stronger flavours. Herbs and spices combined with acidic components can create a balanced sweetness in dates while making room for other flavours to stand out

* When preparing dates for savoury dishes, pit them and cut into small pieces or blend into sauces. This enables dates to blend seamlessly into recipes while maintaining a balanced flavour profile

* If you can’t use dates, they can be replaced with dried figs, prunes, apricots or even honey/maple syrup. While apricots have a subtle tartness, figs offer a similar chewy texture and natural sweetness. Adjust the acidity or seasoning to balance flavours

Western and fusion date dishes to try

Sticky toffee pudding: A classic British dessert featuring moist date cake with toffee sauce

Medjool date energy balls: A popular no-bake snack blended with nuts and cocoa

Date & jaggery panna cotta: An Italian dessert infused with Indian flavours

Khajoor & dark chocolate mousse: A refined fusion of traditional dates and modern dessert techniques

Date & spiced walnut crostini: A mix of Mediterranean and Indian flavours on crispy bread

- Inputs by chefs Ishijyot Surri, Afshan Khan and Abinas Nayak