Iraqi Date Sweetmeat (Holwah Tamar) (Gluten Free)

UmmBinat's Note:

A delicious sweet snack which would go well with tea or coffee. Originally POSTED FOR RAMADAN TAG, yet I have since tried it and enjoyed. Out of The Complete Middle East Cookbook By Tess Mallos.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 20

Yield: 20.0 pieces

• 1 lb dates , dried & pitted (I used Medjool)
• ¼ cup ghee (I used butter but it may burn)
• 2 cups walnut pieces
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds , toasted in a dry frying pan

Directions:

1. Chop dates roughly and place in a heavy pan with the ghee.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until dates soften, and are combined with the ghee.
3. spread half the date mixture in a 9 in (23 cm) square pan.
4. Sprinkle walnut pieces over the dates, pressing them in lightly. Place remaining date mixture on top, spreading it evenly.
5. Sprinkle evenly with toasted sesame seeds, pressing them on lightly.
6. Leave until cool and cut into small squares or diamond shapes.
7. Store in a sealed container and serve as a sweetmeat.

Reviews

[Sydney Mike]

I thoroughly enjoyed fixing this treat almost as much as I loved devouring it! Made it with very moist Medjool dates & was very pleased with the results! Great combo, dates & sesame seeds! Thanks for posting the recipe! [Made & reviewed in Bargain Basement tag]