Emirati Al Madrooba (Printable)

Smooth Medjool dates mashed with ghee, enhanced with cardamom, offering a creamy, flavorful spread.

# What You 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

# Directions:

01 - If whole dates are used, remove pits and coarsely chop the dates.
02 - In a medium nonstick pan, melt the ghee over low heat.
03 - Add the chopped dates to the pan and mash while stirring continuously for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture softens and forms a thick, smooth paste.
04 - Stir in ground cardamom and a pinch of salt if desired; mix until fully incorporated and the paste appears glossy and creamy.
05 - Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before serving.
06 - Serve warm or at room temperature alongside flatbread or enjoy as a spread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes flat, which means you can make it on a rushed morning and still feel like you've accomplished something nourishing.
  • The natural sweetness of dates means you're not fighting with refined sugar, just honest, whole fruit energy that keeps you satisfied for hours.
  • It tastes homemade and special but requires absolutely zero baking skills or fancy technique.
02 -
  • The mixture will look too thin while it's hot and will thicken as it cools, so don't panic if it seems loose over the stove—this is completely normal.
  • If your dates are old or dry, they'll take longer to break down and might never reach that completely smooth texture, so fresh soft dates really do make the difference here.
03 -
  • Buy the best quality dates you can find—since there are only a few ingredients, each one matters, and premium Medjool dates make this taste like restaurant-quality in your own kitchen.
  • If you have access to traditional Emirati ghee or can make your own, the flavor elevation is noticeable and worth the effort, especially because ghee freezes beautifully and you'll use it for so many other things.
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