Description
This homemade date syrup recipe infuses warm cardamom and bright orange zest for a versatile, sophisticated sweetener. It offers a healthier, cost-effective alternative to store-bought options that pairs well with many breakfast items or marinades.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 g Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
- 700 ml filtered water
- 5 g ground green cardamom
- Zest of 1 large orange
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the dates, filtered water, ground green cardamom, and orange zest. Stir gently to mix all ingredients.
- Simmer Dates: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the dates are extremely soft and falling apart.
- Mash and Strain: Remove the pot from heat and thoroughly mash the dates with a potato masher. Carefully strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or nut milk bag over a large bowl, pressing firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining pulp.
- Reduce Liquid: Pour the strained date liquid back into the clean pot. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup significantly reduces and achieves a thick, glossy consistency.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to an airtight jar for storage.
Notes
For the richest flavor and texture, use soft Medjool dates. If the syrup becomes too thick after cooling, gently warm and thin with a small amount of water. If it’s too thin, simmer longer to reduce further. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, using a clean spoon each time to prevent contamination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 55 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Dates, Syrup, Cardamom, Orange, Sweetener, Vegan, Gluten Free, Condiment, Sauce, Drink