Khajoor Pak – Dates and Dry Fruit Energy Bars

An Indian dry fruit barfi made of khajoor (dates) that is dairy free, gluten free, vegan free and sugar free.

This indian sweet has been around for many years even before an energy bar was invented.

Dates, popularly known as “khajoor” in India, are the fruit of date palm tree. They are cultivated all over the world especially across tropical regions. Dates are sweet and chewy, available in soft, semi-dry and dry varieties. Farmers harvest dates in early winter, so dates usually taste freshest at this time of year.

These Dates and Dry fruit energy bars recipe is delicious and prepared with dates, coconut and loads of dry fruits. Dates, popularly known as “khajoor or kajur” in India, are the fruit of date palm tree.

They have all the goodness that one needs, be it their sweet rich taste or their health benefits. They are warm and fulfilling. Dates produce heat in the body so they are generally recommended during winters.

Here are 7 major health benefits of dates:

1. Dates give you natural sugars but they also increase your energy levels without piling on calories.
2. Most of the calories come from carbs which helps provide energy to the body.
3. Dates have significant amount of fiber which is important for overall health.
4. They also contain many important minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus & magnesium.
5. They also contain vitamins like thiamin, vitamin A, vitamin K and riboflavin.
6. They are rich in anti-oxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids.
7. Such powerful anti-oxidants helps to reduce the risk of diabetes and promote heart health.

INGREDIENTS  

• 500 grams Dates – seed removed
• 3 tbsp Ghee – clarified butter (substitute for coconut oil)
• 25 grams Poppy seeds (optional)
• Dry fruits
  • 25 grams Walnuts
  • 25 grams Pistachio nuts
  • 25 grams Almond nuts

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Check & clean the dates
2. Chop the nuts and dates into small pieces with the help of a blender.
3. Once your nuts are ready and chopped, heat your non-stick pan on low heat.
4. Start off by heating 1 Tbsp. of ghee in a non-stick pan on a low level heat
5. Heat the nuts for a small length of time to get rid of the rawness smell
6. Repeat for each nut (Pistachio, walnuts). Add more ghee if you need to (I used 1 tbsp. for each nut type I roasted (3 tbsp ghee in total).
7. Gently roast the poppy seeds (keep an eye on this as this will burn very quickly).
8. Reduce the flame to low and add the chopped Dates. Mix well
9. Gently break up the mixture, the dates will loosen up as they soften
10. Add all the chopped nuts
11. Once dates are soft enough, remove from gas
12. Mix it well.
13. Setting
14. Have your setting dish ready and line it with foil
15. Empty the mixture into your dish
16. Press the mixture down firmly make sure there’s no gaps
17. Smooth out the top surface using the back of your spoon
18. You will notice a nice glaze on the top of the surface
19. Let the mixture set until it is firm enough to cut. Alternatively, you can pop it in the fridge for 30 mins to speed up the process
20. Scored out the size of piece you want with a knife. I usually go over the lines twice.
21. It is now ready to serve

Preparation:

There are many varieties of dates available.  If your dates are a bit hard, soak the dates (500g) in approx. 100 ml water overnight. If you’re preparing it the same day, soak the dates for 4 to 6 hours instead.You can use any choice of nuts and add your own variations to this recipe.  Try it with a combination of dates and figs or even add coconut shredded strands.This is traditionally made using ghee, but you can substitute ghee with coconut oil which is dairy free and enhances the nutty flavor.

Settings:

When you pour your mixture into your mold, make sure it is pre-greased.  I lined mine with foil so It avoided this step.  It also helps reduce the ghee/oil content.You can set the mixture in different mold shapes. I usually prefer squares but you can roll into logs and slice which also looks very nice.

Storage: This keeps for 2-3 months in the fridge. Store in an airtight container.  Take out 15 mins before consuming.  

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