This easy-to-make recipe is the perfect treat to break your Ramadan fast.
Putting a unique spin on a traditional holiday ingredient, dates, this dessert infuse peanut butter, cocoa powder, coconut flakes and a pinch of salt with the sweet fruit to make date squares.
It is traditional to break the Ramadan fast by eating an odd number of dates followed by drinking water, explains chef Rabiya Azeez, which makes this recipe a great option.
“This custom not only has spiritual significance but also has a huge physiological impact on our body after fasting for long periods — between 12 and 15 hours,” she explains, noting that dates can alleviate low blood sugar, headaches and low energy as a result of fasting. It also provides a boost of energy from their high carbohydrate content and ease digestion due to its high fiber content.
READ MORE: Centenarians make ‘healthy’ coffee that tastes strong but has less caffeine
Ramadan, occurring this year from March 10-April 9, is a Muslim holiday that “is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims,” according to the Islamic Networks Group.
It continues to explain that during the “spiritual rejuvenation” holiday “commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.”
Ingredients
Ramadan, occurring this year from March 10-April 9, is a Muslim holiday that “is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims,” according to the Islamic Networks Group. It continues to explain that during the “spiritual rejuvenation” holiday “commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.”
Instructions
1. Add the chopped dates, peanut butter, cocoa powder and salt to a food processor and blend until smooth. The mixture will be sticky.
2. Add the coconut flakes and pulse once or twice to combine.
3. Press the mixture into a loaf pan lined with wax paper.
4. Refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
5. Remove the chilled mixture from the pan, and slice it into squares (to your desired sizes!)
6. Keep leftover squares covered and refrigerated.
