Whole Food, Plant-Based Recipe Date Paste

Recipe courtesy of Chef Carole Levy, PPMNY Culinary Educator

Dates are one of natures best sweeteners. This easy to make date paste is perfect for many baked goods as well as sweetening sauces and other recipes.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pitted dates (Medjool or Deglet Noor)

  • ½ cup hot water

Instructions

1. Place pitted dates in a glass bowl and cover with hot water. Let dates soften 10-20 minutes.*
2. Place the dates and half the reserved water into a high speed blender. Blend until smooth. Add more water if you’d like a thinner consistency. 
3. Transfer to a glass container and cover.
4. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
5. Be sure to save any leftover liquid and store in a jar, as this liquid can also be used as a sweetener.

Chef's Notes

*If you are using Deglet Noor dates, which are harder and drier, increase soaking time.