Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Fig & Date Roll Recipe – Authentic Indian Sweet With Poppy Seeds

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you have a serious sweet tooth, but you also crave treats that feel a little… wholesome? Well, let me share my go-to recipe for Fig & Date Rolls! These aren’t just delicious; they’re packed with goodness and surprisingly easy to make. I first stumbled upon a version of this at a Diwali mela years ago, and I’ve been perfecting it ever since. It’s become a family favourite, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Fig & Date Rolls are a delightful blend of textures and flavours. The chewy sweetness of figs and dates, the satisfying crunch of nuts, and the subtle nutty flavour of poppy seeds all come together beautifully. Plus, they’re naturally sweetened, making them a guilt-free indulgence! They’re perfect for festive occasions, afternoon tea, or just when you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these little bundles of joy:

• 20 Dry Figs (approx. 150g)
• 25 Dates (approx. 180g)
• 15 Almonds (approx. 30g)
• 15 Cashew Nuts (approx. 30g)
• 15 Pistachios (approx. 30g)
• 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus) (approx. 10g)
• 2 tablespoons Dry Dates Powder (approx. 30g)
• 2 teaspoons Pure Ghee (approx. 10ml)

Ingredient Notes

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

Dry Figs: Varieties and Selection

I prefer using brown Turkish figs for this recipe. They’re wonderfully soft and sweet. You can also use black mission figs, but they might need a little extra soaking time.

Dates: Choosing the Right Type for Sweetness

Medjool dates are fantastic – they’re plump, juicy, and naturally caramel-like. If you can’t find Medjool, Kimia dates work well too. Just make sure they’re soft and pliable.

Nuts: The Importance of Roasting for Flavor

Roasting the nuts is key. It brings out their natural oils and gives them a lovely, toasty flavour. Don’t skip this step!

Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus): Regional Uses & Benefits

Poppy seeds are a staple in Indian cuisine, especially in North Indian sweets and curries. They add a unique texture and a subtle nutty flavour. They’re also a good source of calcium and fibre!

Ghee: Clarified Butter – Traditional vs. Modern Options

Ghee is traditional, and it adds a beautiful richness. You can use store-bought ghee or make your own. If you prefer, you can substitute with unsalted butter, but the flavour won’t be quite the same.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, soak your dry figs in water for about 2 hours. This will soften them up nicely. Once softened, drain them well and chop them finely.
2. Next, grind the soaked figs and dates together into a coarse paste. Don’t add any water – the natural moisture from the dates should be enough.
3. Now, let’s roast those nuts! In a dry pan, dry roast the chopped almonds, cashews, and pistachios for 2-3 minutes, until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Set them aside to cool.
4. In the same pan, roast the poppy seeds until they’re lightly pink and start to crackle. This takes just a minute or two – watch them carefully, as they burn easily! Set aside.
5. Add 1 teaspoon of ghee to the pan and roast the dry dates powder for about 2 minutes. This deepens the flavour beautifully.
6. Now, add the remaining ghee to the pan and cook the fig-date paste until most of the moisture has evaporated. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
7. Mix in the roasted nuts and dates powder into the paste. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens and starts to come together.
8. Grease a clean surface (a silicone mat or parchment paper works great). Transfer the mixture onto the greased surface and shape it into a 1-inch diameter roll.
9. Coat the roll evenly with the roasted poppy seeds. Press them gently into the mixture so they stick well.
10. Let the roll cool completely before slicing it into ½-inch thick discs. Store in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make these rolls perfect every time:

Achieving the Perfect Roll Consistency

If the mixture feels too sticky, add a little more dry dates powder. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of ghee (a teaspoon at a time).

Preventing the Roll from Sticking

Greasing the surface really well is crucial. I like to use a silicone mat because nothing sticks to it!

Roasting Nuts to Golden Perfection

Keep a close eye on the nuts while roasting. They can go from golden to burnt very quickly.

Working with Date Paste

Date paste can be quite sticky. Using a good food processor or blender helps to get a smooth consistency.

Ensuring Even Poppy Seed Coating

Press the poppy seeds firmly onto the roll to ensure they adhere properly.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

Simply substitute the ghee with coconut oil or any other vegan butter alternative.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Cardamom or Nutmeg)

My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom powder to the mixture. It adds a lovely warmth. Nutmeg is also a delicious addition.

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Holi)

These rolls are perfect for gifting during festivals. I like to package them in small, decorative boxes.

Nut-Free Variation (Using Seeds)

If you have nut allergies, you can replace the nuts with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or a mix of both. Roast them just like the nuts.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a glass of warm milk or a cup of masala chai. They’re also a lovely addition to a festive platter.

Storage Instructions

Store the Fig & Date Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the shelf life of these Fig & Date Rolls?

They’ll stay fresh for about a week at room temperature, or up to two weeks in the fridge.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance. The flavours actually develop even more over time.

What can I substitute for ghee in this recipe?

Coconut oil or unsalted butter work well as substitutes, but ghee provides the most authentic flavour.

Is it necessary to roast the nuts and poppy seeds?

Yes! Roasting enhances their flavour and adds a lovely crunch.

How do I prevent the date paste from becoming too sticky?

Add a little more dry dates powder to balance the stickiness.

Can I add any flavourings to the rolls?

Definitely! Cardamom, nutmeg, or a touch of rose water would all be lovely additions.