HOW TO MAKE DATE PASTE AND SYRUP
This is a simple and easy recipe to prepare date paste and syrup. Both natural sweeteners can be used as a sugar replacement.
Equipment
- Blender/Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 pound Medjool dates about 2 cups or 450 gr pitted
- water enough to cover the dates
Instructions
- In a bowl, cover the dates with water and soak them overnight. (If you only want to make the date paste, soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes, drain the dates, keeping some tbsp of that water, and follow step 3).
- Once they are soaked, drain the dates keeping the liquid for the syrup.
- For the paste, add the dates to a blender or food processor. You can add a couple of tbsp of hot water to get the right paste consistency for you (or add some tbsp of the water you used for soaking the dates, if you are not making the syrup). Blend the dates until smooth (creamy texture). When the paste is ready, placed it in a glass jar. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and freeze the paste keeping it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- For the syrup, place the liquid from the dates in a saucepan or pot. Over low heat, cook it for about 40 minutes or until the syrup gets thicker. Let it cool, and then transfer it to a glass jar or bottle. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- Enjoy your natural sweeteners in your healthy baking recipes. Date paste can be an excellent substitution for 1:1 for various types of sugars. It takes a little bit of experimentation sometimes since it can change a little the texture and sweetness of an original recipe. The syrup is excellent for pancakes, ice creams, and more.
Notes
- If you only want to make the date paste, soak the dates for 30 mins and then blend them until smooth (or use a food processor).
- The amount of syrup you'll get from this recipe it'll depend on how much water do you use to soak the dates.
- With this recipe, you'll obtain about 1 1/2 cups of date paste approximately.