Emirati Al Madrooba Spread (Printable)

A smooth dates and ghee spread with cardamom, offering a creamy and flavorful start to your day.

# What You'll Need:

→ Date Paste

01 - 14 oz pitted Medjool dates (soft and fresh preferred)

→ Fat

02 - 3 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)

→ Flavoring (optional)

03 - 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
04 - Pinch of sea salt

# How to Make It:

01 - If using whole dates, remove pits and chop coarsely.
02 - In a medium nonstick pan, melt the ghee over low heat.
03 - Add the dates to the pan. Mash and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture softens and forms a thick, smooth paste.
04 - Sprinkle in ground cardamom and a pinch of salt if using. Stir until fully incorporated and the paste appears glossy and creamy.
05 - Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature alongside fresh flatbread or enjoyed on its own.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms two ingredients into something that tastes far more luxurious than the effort requires.
  • The natural sweetness of dates means no added sugar, just pure comfort that actually fuels you.
  • It comes together in 15 minutes, making it perfect for mornings when you need something nourishing fast.
  • Once you make it, you'll find excuses to serve it to everyone, watching their faces light up when they taste it.
02 -
  • Don't rush the mashing phase by turning up the heat; ghee can burn in seconds, and burned ghee tastes bitter and ruins everything.
  • Fresh, soft dates make an enormous difference—hard or old dates will resist breaking down and leave you with a grainy texture instead of that signature smooth paste.
03 -
  • Keep ghee at low heat from start to finish; high heat is the only way to ruin this simple, beautiful dish.
  • If your dates are older or firmer, soften them in warm water for five minutes before using—it cuts your cooking time and guarantees a smooth result every time.
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