Warm Dates in Ghee with Ricotta & Dried Apricots
WARM DATES IN GHEE WITH RICOTTA & DRIED APRICOTS
As colder months set in, our morning glass of milk would be accompanied with 3-4 dates coated with ghee - a combo I loved as a kid and still do. In Ayurveda, dates and ghee are considered rich in Ojas - Ojas is the deepest, strongest essence of your vitality and immunity. The dates + ghee combo is immune boosting, vitality giving, rich in fibre and iron, good on tummy.
Using this as my inspiration, I came up with a delicious snack/dessert which combines the goodness of dates and ghee, and elevates it with a stuffing of ricotta and dried apricots. Warming the dates in ghee is an excellent touch - makes the dates soft and chewy, and who doesn't like a warm dessert in this season. Such a perfect thing for a fall menu. I finish it off with a bit of flaky sea salt and thyme. It's so addictive and I don't mind it at all!
Quick, wholesome, nourishing and perfect for your #friendsgiving / #thanksgiving small plates esp. when serving a crowd that is watching their sugar (which I feel is everyone nowadays!)
WARM DATES IN GHEE WITH RICOTTA & DRIED APRICOTS
makes 12 pieces
YOU WILL NEED
1 tbsp chopped dried apricots
2 tbsp ricotta cheese or chenna
12 pitted dates
1.5 tbsp ghee
1 spring of thyme - leaves separated
pinch of sea salt
METHOD
In a small bowl, combine chopped dried apricots and ricotta cheese, and set aside.
Heat ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pitted dates in a single layer and cook, stirring often, until the dates are warmed and soft - about 5 mins. Watch them closely to ensure they don’t burn!
Place the dates in a serving platter. Once they are cool enough to touch, stuff them with the ricotta and apricots mixture. Sprinkle some thyme leaves and flaky salt.
Drizzle the remaining ghee from the skillet, add more if needed!
Serve warm.
You can prepare this upto 2 days ahead of an event / dinner. Before serving warm it in the microwave or in a skillet with a bit of ghee for 30-45 seconds.
