Dates-Figs & Nut Roll Recipe – Authentic Indian Sweet with Rosewater

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Dates-Figs & Nut Roll Recipe – Authentic Indian Sweet with Rosewater

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s packed with flavour and surprisingly easy to make, you have to try this Dates-Figs & Nut Roll. It’s a classic Indian sweet, often made during festivals or as a special gift, and it’s one I’ve been making for years – I first learned it from my grandmother, and it’s become a family favourite. It’s wonderfully chewy, naturally sweet, and the rosewater just takes it to another level. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Dates-Figs & Nut Roll is more than just a dessert; it’s a little piece of Indian tradition. It’s perfect for those times when you want something sweet but aren’t up for a complicated baking process. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan! The combination of dates, figs, and nuts is incredibly satisfying, and the rosewater adds a beautiful, fragrant touch. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious roll:

• 140-150 grams dates
• 60 grams dried figs
• 1 tablespoon golden raisins
• 40 grams almonds
• 30 grams cashews
• 30 grams pistachios
• 30 grams walnuts
• 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons rose water

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using good quality dates is key – Medjool dates are fantastic if you can find them, but any soft, plump dates will work.

The dried figs and raisins add a lovely chewiness and extra sweetness. Don’t skip blanching them, though – it softens them up beautifully.

For the nuts, I love this combination of almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts. It gives a really lovely texture and flavour. Feel free to experiment, though!

And finally, the rose water. This is a must for that authentic Indian flavour. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or even online. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s soften up those dried fruits. Place the dried figs and raisins in a bowl with hot water and let them sit for about 20 minutes. Then, drain them well.
2. While the fruits are soaking, let’s work on the nuts. Roughly grind the almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts. You want them to be in small pieces, but not a powder. A little texture is good!
3. Now, process the blanched figs, raisins, and dates in a food processor until you get a coarse paste. It shouldn’t be completely smooth.
4. Heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and sauté until they start to crackle – this only takes a minute or two.
5. Add the desiccated coconut and stir briefly, just until it’s lightly toasted.
6. Toss in the ground nuts and sauté for 3-4 minutes on low heat. This helps to bring out their flavour.
7. Add the dates-figs-raisins paste to the pan and combine everything really well.
8. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the rose water. Make sure it’s thoroughly mixed.
9. Let the mixture cool down a bit. Once it’s cool enough to handle, you can shape it into logs or press it into a greased tray.
10. Slice into bars or rolls once set and refrigerate for storage. It tastes even better after a day or two!

Expert Tips

• Don’t have a food processor? You can chop the dates, figs, and raisins very finely by hand, but it will take a bit more effort.
• If your mixture is too sticky, add a tablespoon of desiccated coconut to help bind it.
• For a cleaner cut, chill the roll in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing.
• A little ghee can be used instead of coconut oil for a richer flavour.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply ensure your desiccated coconut is vegan-friendly (some brands contain traces of dairy).
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level: Not Applicable. This is a naturally sweet treat.
• Festival Adaptations: This roll is perfect for Diwali, Holi, or any special occasion. It makes a lovely homemade gift – my friends always ask for it! My aunt always adds a sprinkle of cardamom for Diwali.

Serving Suggestions

This Dates-Figs & Nut Roll is delicious on its own with a cup of chai. It also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt. It’s a great energy booster for an afternoon snack, too!

Storage Instructions

Store the roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It actually gets better with time as the flavours meld together. You can also freeze it for up to a month.

FAQs

What is the shelf life of this Dates-Figs & Nut Roll?

It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month.

Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with pecans, macadamia nuts, or any other nuts you like.

Can I make this recipe without rose water? What can I substitute?

While rose water is traditional, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of orange blossom water or a pinch of cardamom. It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious!

What is the best way to ensure the roll holds its shape?

Chilling the mixture before slicing is key. You can also add a tablespoon of desiccated coconut if it’s too sticky.

Is it necessary to blanch the dried figs and raisins?

Yes, blanching softens them up and makes them easier to process into a paste. It really does make a difference!