Chèvre Stuffed Dates
Photo: Carolina Ayala / Contributor
Ramadan, one of the sacred pillars of Islamic culture, starts at the beginning of March this year and lasts until the end of the month. It’s a time for deep spiritual reflection, a time to slow physical and mental work as well as the rigor of abstinence from food and drink from dawn to dusk. The daily evening fast is broken after sunset by eating a meal called the iftar. Dates, with their high sugar, fiber and nutritional content are considered the best way to break the fast. They are easy to digest, making them a quick source of energy and nutrients by balancing the body’s glucose levels. This satisfies the sensation of hunger, which in turn helps to prevent overeating.
Here are dates stuffed with a savory mixture of chèvre with a touch of minced serrano pepper to bring up the heat and aromatic minced mint leaves. Pistachios add crunch. The coriander seeds and lemon juice add a lemony flavor. These dates will keep for 2 to 3 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.