Sweet Khlia with Dates and Almonds

A melting and syrupy texture where dates are confit in fragrant brown butter. Almonds provide the necessary crunch under a coat of glossy, amber honey.

• Prep time: 15 min
• Cook time: 20 min
• Difficulty: Easy
• Calories: 764
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 93 g
• Fat: 37 g

Ingredients

• 500 g Date ( pitted )
• 100 g Salted butter ( diced )
• 3 tbsp Honey
• 100 g Almond with skin ( whole )
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1 tbsp rose water
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds optional

Instructions

1. Fruit preparation

   Pit the dates by hand. They should remain whole but open. Toast the almonds in a dry pan until they color and release a toasted nutty aroma.

2. Making brown butter

   Melt the salted butter in a sauté pan. Let it foam and sizzle. When the foam subsides and a hazelnut scent escapes, it is ready.

3. Confiting the dates

   Add the dates to the brown butter. Stir gently to coat them with fat. They should soften and become glossy without turning into a mash.

4. Binding and finishing

   Pour in the honey, cinnamon, and rose water. Add the almonds. Let reduce for a minute so the mixture coats the fruit. Finish with the sesame seeds.

Chef's tips

• Keep a close eye on the butter: it goes from nutty to burnt in seconds.
• If the dates are very dry, add a small splash of mineral water to help soften them.

Storage

Keeps for 1 week in an airtight jar at room temperature.