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Date Truffles

August 15th, 2012 19 comments

These are a lovely and easy little sweet to prepare. Made with dates, pistachios and shredded coconut, these truffles are a healthy alternative to date-filled pastries. Also, this is a delicious way to use up leftover dates from Ramadan.

The recipe is adapted from a similar one in Flavors of Morocco by Ghillie Basan.

Date Truffles

Makes about 20 small truffles

1½ cups (200 g) unsalted shelled pistachios

1½ cups high-quality dates, chopped

2-3 Tablespoons orange blossom water

1 Tablespoon honey

1cup dried, finely shredded coconut (unsweetened sticks the best)

Method:

  1. Toast the pistachios in heavy skillet or on baking sheet in moderate oven (350°F/175°C) until they emit a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes).
  2. Pour the shredded coconut into a shallow bowl and set aside.
  3. In a food processor (or with a mortar and pestle), grind the pistachios. Add the dates and mix or grind to form a thick paste.
  4. Transfer the pistachio-date paste to a bowl. Using your hands, mix in the orange blossom water and honey. (This can get very sticky.)
  5. One by one, shape into small even-sized balls and immediately roll in coconut while the ball is still sticky. Gently roll until completely coated in coconut. Repeat with the rest of the paste.
  6. Arrange truffles on a serving dish or place in miniature fluted paper cases. Store in airtight glass container in refrigerator for up to a week. Serve at room temperature.

Note: If you don’t care for coconut or you want more variety, try rolling the truffles in cocoa, chocolate sprinkles or finely chopped pistachios or almonds.

Question: Do you like to cook with dates? If so, what do you like to prepare?