Medjool Date & Ghee Recipe – Authentic Indian Sweet Squares

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Medjool Date & Ghee Recipe – Authentic Indian Sweet Squares

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a simple, yet incredibly satisfying Indian sweet, you’ve come to the right place. This Medjool Date & Ghee recipe is something my grandmother used to make for us during festivals, and it’s a taste of home I always crave. It’s unbelievably easy – seriously, anyone can make it – and the combination of sweet dates and rich ghee is just divine. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It requires just two ingredients, takes only 10 minutes to put together (plus chilling time, of course!), and delivers a burst of authentic Indian flavor. It’s naturally gluten-free and refined sugar-free, making it a guilt-free treat. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the incredible benefits of both dates and ghee.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these little squares of happiness:

• 10 Medjool Dates (approximately 200g)
• 1 tablespoon Grassfed Organic Ghee (approximately 15ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these two stars of the show! Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference.

Medjool Dates: Varieties & Selection

Medjool dates are my absolute favorite for this recipe. They’re large, soft, and wonderfully caramel-like. Look for dates that are plump and slightly sticky, avoiding any that are overly dry or hardened. If you can’t find Medjool, Deglet Noor dates can work in a pinch, but you might need to add a tiny splash of water to help them bind.

Grassfed Organic Ghee: Benefits & Substitutions

Ghee is clarified butter, and it’s a staple in Indian cooking for a reason! It has a beautiful nutty flavor and a high smoke point. Grassfed ghee is even better, packed with nutrients. If you absolutely can’t find ghee, you could use unsalted butter, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Coconut oil is another option for a vegan adaptation (more on that later!).

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic happen!

1. First, remove the pits from your Medjool dates. Then, give them a rough chop – no need to be perfect!
2. Now, heat the ghee in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped dates and sauté for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the dates start to absorb the ghee and become beautifully sticky. Keep stirring to prevent sticking!
3. Once the mixture is nice and combined, transfer it to a sheet of parchment paper.
4. Using a spatula (or another sheet of parchment paper on top), gently flatten the mixture into a square about ½ inch thick.
5. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour to set. This is the hardest part – waiting!

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t skip the ghee! It really does make a difference in the texture and flavor.
• If your dates are a little dry, you can soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
• For easier cleanup, lightly grease the parchment paper with a tiny bit of ghee.

Variations

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

Vegan Adaptation

Simply substitute the ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil. It will give the sweets a subtle coconut flavor, which is delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.

Spice Level Variation (Cardamom & Nutmeg)

Add a pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) of cardamom powder and a tiny grating of nutmeg to the date and ghee mixture while sautéing. This adds a lovely warmth and complexity. My family loves this version during the colder months.

Festival Adaptation (Diwali Sweet Treat)

Sprinkle some chopped pistachios or almonds on top of the flattened date mixture before refrigerating. This makes it extra festive and adds a delightful crunch. Perfect for Diwali!

Serving Suggestions

These date and ghee squares are wonderful on their own with a cup of chai. They also pair beautifully with a glass of warm milk before bed. They’re a perfect little energy boost!

Storage Instructions

Store these squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They might get a little sticky, but that’s perfectly normal. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just wrap them individually in parchment paper first.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the origin of Date and Ghee sweets in India?

Date and ghee sweets have a long history in India, particularly in regions with date palm cultivation. They were traditionally made during festivals and special occasions, often as a simple, nourishing treat.

Can I use other types of dates for this recipe?

While Medjool dates are preferred, Deglet Noor dates can be used. You might need to add a teaspoon or two of water to help them bind together.

How does the quality of ghee affect the final taste?

The quality of ghee significantly impacts the flavor. Grassfed organic ghee has a richer, more complex flavor than conventional ghee.

Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

Yes, as long as you don’t add any nuts as a variation! Be sure to check the label of your ghee to ensure it’s processed in a nut-free facility if allergies are severe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make these squares a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. They actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.