About This Dish
A dense, fudge-like confection made from dates, walnuts, and butter that originated in the oasis regions of southeastern Morocco. Fresh Medjool dates are mashed and cooked with butter until they form a caramel-like paste, then mixed with chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and orange blossom water. The mixture is pressed into molds and sliced into diamonds or squares. This is the traditional sweet of the date-growing regions and is given as a gift between families during Eid celebrations. Its natural sweetness comes entirely from the dates, with no added sugar needed.
Ingredients
- 500 g Medjool dates, pitted
- 150 g Walnuts, chopped
- 50 g Butter
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp Orange blossom water
- 2 tbsp Sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- 1
Mash or process dates into a thick paste.
- 2
Melt butter in a pan. Add date paste and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes until it tightens.
- 3
Add walnuts, cinnamon, and orange blossom water. Mix well.
- 4
Press into an oiled dish about 2cm thick.
- 5
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Cool and cut into diamonds.
Tips & Tricks
- The softest, freshest dates make the best halwa.
- The mixture firms up as it cools — do not worry if it seems too soft when hot.
- These make excellent gifts wrapped in decorative paper.