Date syrup is a sweetener made from the juice of dates. It is a thick, dark liquid with a rich, caramel-like flavor. It is used in cooking as a natural sweetener in a variety of dishes, including desserts, baked goods, and savory dishes. It is also used as a topping or drizzle for pancakes, waffles, and oatmeal. In Middle Eastern cuisine it is commonly used in traditional dishes such as baklava, falafel, and is also drizzled over labneh. In restaurants, it may be used as a natural sweetener in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces, and as a garnish for desserts. It can also be used as a natural sweetener in hot and cold beverages like coffee and tea.
I'd like to share a potential educational resource, “Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door”, my new book that features dialogues with accomplished culinary leaders from various backgrounds and cultures. It delves into the future of culinary creativity and the hospitality industry, drawing from insights of a restaurant-industry-focused podcast, ‘flavors unknown”. It includes perspectives from renowned chefs and local professionals, making it a valuable resource for those interested in building a career in the culinary industry.
Get the book here!
Why is Date Syrup becoming popular in the U.S.
Date syrup is becoming a popular alternative sweetener in the United States for its natural and healthy properties. It's high in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, and has a low glycemic index, making it perfect for those watching their blood sugar levels. Its versatility in cooking and baking, as well as its use in coffee and tea, make it a go-to sweetener. The growing popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine is also introducing more people to the unique taste and versatility of date syrup. With more companies producing and selling date syrup in the US, it's now more easily accessible to purchase and use.
How to make Date Syrup?
Here is a simple recipe to make at home (recipe created by A.I.)
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of Medjool dates, pitted
- 3 cups of water
- 1 tsp of lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Soak the dates in 3 cups of water for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight.
- Drain the water and reserve it.
- Add the soaked dates to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and add 2 cups of the reserved water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add lemon juice, if using, and stir.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
- The date syrup is now ready to use. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Note: the ratio of dates to water can be adjusted depending on the desired consistency, usually 1:2 or 1:3. Also, the syrup can be flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices to taste.
BBQ Sauce recipe featuring Date Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup date syrup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, add the ketchup, date syrup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- The BBQ sauce is now ready to use. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
This BBQ sauce can be used as a marinade for meats, fish, and vegetables, or as a dip for chicken wings, ribs, and other BBQ favorites. It's sweet, tangy and savory flavor goes well with most meats and vegetables.
(recipe created by A.I.)
Old Fashioned Cocktail recipe with Date Syrup
You will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
- 1 tsp date syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
- In a rocks glass, add the date syrup and bitters.
- Stir the ingredients together until the date syrup is dissolved.
- Add a large ice cube to the glass.
- Pour the whiskey over the ice.
- Stir the cocktail gently for a few seconds.
- Express the orange peel over the glass by holding it over the glass and giving it a gentle twist, rub the rim of the glass with it and drop it into the glass.
- The Old Fashioned cocktail is now ready to drink.
This Old Fashioned cocktail is a variation of the classic cocktail, with date syrup adding a rich and sweet flavor to the drink. You can adjust the amount of syrup to taste. Also, you can use different types of bitters depending on the preference.
(recipe created by A.I.)
10 examples of surprising dishes using Date Syrup
Here are 10 examples of dishes that can feature date syrup:
- In a glazed salmon: A savory dish where the fish is marinated in a mixture of date syrup, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and sesame oil, then grilled or baked.
- With Rosemary Roasted Root Vegetables: A savory and flavorful side dish where root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are tossed in a mixture of olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt, pepper and date syrup before roasting in the oven.
- For Harissa Chicken: A spicy dish where chicken is marinated in a mixture of date syrup, harissa paste, lemon juice and cumin before roasting or grilling.
- A twist on a Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A savory and sweet sandwich, where date syrup is spread on bread and paired with cheddar cheese before grilling
- For a new Yogurt Parfait style: A healthy and delicious layered dessert, where date syrup is drizzled over yogurt, granola and fresh fruits.
- With Cardamom Chai latte: A warm and flavorful drink, where date syrup is used to sweeten a traditional chai tea blend.
- In a Pecan Sticky Buns: A sweet and sticky breakfast treat, where date syrup is used in the dough and as a glaze for pecan sticky buns.
- In a Ginger Beer Cocktail: A refreshing and unique cocktail, where date syrup is used to sweeten ginger beer and paired with a choice of spirit like rum or vodka.
- A twist on a Roasted Eggplant Dip: A flavorful and healthy dip, where roasted eggplant is blended with tahini, lemon juice, and date syrup.
- Chocolate Stuffed French Toast: A decadent breakfast dish, where slices of bread are stuffed with Nutella and date syrup before being dipped in egg mixture and cooked.
Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook looking to add a different twist to your dishes, desserts, and drinks, date syrup is definitely worth giving a try.
Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode)
