Authentic Dates and Nuts Log Recipe – Traditional Indian Sweet

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Dates and Nuts Log Recipe – Traditional Indian Sweet

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you have a soft spot for those melt-in-your-mouth Indian sweets that just feel like home. This Dates and Nuts Log recipe is one of those for me. I first made this with my grandmother, and it instantly transported me back to childhood festivals. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the perfect treat to share with family and friends. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another sweet recipe; it’s a little piece of Indian tradition. It’s packed with the goodness of dates, figs, and nuts – a naturally sweet and energy-boosting combination. Plus, it’s relatively quick to put together, making it ideal when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a wonderful treat for festive occasions or just a cozy afternoon with a cup of chai.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful logs:

• 1 cup Dates
• 1 cup Assorted Nuts
• 1 cup Figs (chopped)
• 1.5 tbsp Ghee
• 1-2 tbsp Poppy seeds (Khus Khus)

(Servings: 15-20 Burfis)
(Cooking Time: 10 minutes)
(Preparation Time: 15 minutes)
(Difficulty: Easy)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting the right quality makes all the difference.

Dates: Varieties and Quality

Medjool dates are fantastic because they’re soft and naturally sweet. However, any good quality, soft dates will work beautifully. About 170g of pitted dates is equivalent to 1 cup. Make sure they’re pliable – if they’re a little dry, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them up.

Assorted Nuts: Regional Preferences & Roasting Tips

Traditionally, a mix of almonds, cashews, and pistachios is used. Feel free to experiment! Walnuts and pecans also add a lovely flavour. Roasting the nuts (around 100g) really brings out their flavour. You can do this in a dry pan on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them – they burn easily!

Figs: Choosing and Preparing Dried Figs

Dried figs are perfect for this recipe. Look for figs that are plump and slightly chewy. I usually use about 150g of dried figs. Remember to chop them finely after soaking in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften.

Ghee: The Importance of Quality Ghee in Indian Sweets

Ghee is essential in Indian sweets. It adds a richness and flavour that you just can’t replicate. Use a good quality ghee – the aroma makes all the difference. About 22ml is equivalent to 1.5 tbsp.

Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus): Flavor and Optional Coating

Poppy seeds add a lovely nutty flavour and a slight crunch. They’re totally optional, but I love rolling the logs in them for a beautiful finish. About 10-15g is equivalent to 1-2 tbsp.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, roast your assorted nuts in a pan or oven until lightly golden and fragrant. Once cooled, give them a rough chop – you want some texture! Optionally, coarsely powder about 2 tablespoons of the nuts.
2. Next, deseed and chop the dates into small pieces. Soak the chopped figs in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them, then drain and finely chop.
3. Now, it’s time to make the paste. Grind the dates and figs together in a food processor or blender until you get a slightly coarse paste. Don’t over-blend – a little texture is nice!
4. Heat the ghee in a pan over low heat. Add the date-fig paste and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. This is important to prevent sticking and ensure the mixture is well combined.
5. Mix in the chopped nuts and powdered nuts. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until everything is nicely combined. The mixture should start to come together.
6. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely. Once cooled, shape it into cylindrical logs. You can use your hands or a parchment paper to help.
7. If you’re using poppy seeds, gently roll the logs in them to coat.
8. Finally, refrigerate the logs for at least 2 hours, or until they’re firm enough to slice. Then, slice into rounds and store in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the roasting step for the nuts! It really enhances their flavour.
• Keep the heat low when cooking the date-fig paste. You don’t want it to burn.
• If the mixture is too sticky, lightly grease your hands with ghee before shaping the logs.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

Vegan Adaptation

Substitute the ghee with coconut oil. It will slightly alter the flavour, but it’s a delicious alternative!

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no changes are needed!

Spice Level Variation (Cardamom & Saffron)

My aunt always adds a pinch of cardamom powder and a few strands of saffron to the date-fig paste for a more fragrant and luxurious flavour. It’s divine!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Holi)

During Diwali, I like to make smaller logs and decorate them with silver leaf (vark). For Holi, I sometimes add a tiny bit of food colouring to the mixture for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

These Date and Nut Logs are perfect with a cup of masala chai or a glass of cold milk. They also make a lovely addition to a festive platter.

Storage Instructions

Store the logs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What is the shelf life of these Date and Nut Logs?

They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week. Frozen, they can last for a month.

Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with walnuts, pecans, or any nuts you enjoy.

Can I make this recipe without ghee? What can I substitute?

You can use coconut oil as a vegan alternative. Butter can also work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same authentic flavour.

How can I achieve a smoother texture for the date-fig paste?

Soaking the dates and figs for a longer time will help. You can also add a tablespoon of warm milk or water while grinding.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the logs before slicing?

Yes, refrigerating them makes them firm and easier to slice neatly.

Can I freeze these Date and Nut Logs?

Yes, you can! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.

Enjoy making this classic Indian sweet! I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!