These date paste cookies are from Sana Ahmed Khashoggi, a 52-year-old Saudi woman who as a teen learned the recipe from her grandmother. Khashoggi makes the cookies during Ramadan, as well as other family celebrations. They are a specialty of the western Hijaz region of Saudi Arabia. Start to finish: 45 minutes. Makes 36 cookies.
Ingredients
1 pound dates, pitted
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (such as almonds and cashews)
Directions
In a food processor, combine the dates and 1 tablespoon of butter. Pulse until the fruit is well-mashed and resembles a paste. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the ghee. As it melts, sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns light brown, about 5 minutes.
Add the cardamom and reserved date paste. Reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is fully combined. Mix in the nuts.
Remove the pan from the heat and let stand until cool enough to handle. Using your hands, pinch off 1-tablespoon pieces and roll the mixture into balls. Place the balls in paper muffins cups.
In an airtight container, the cookies will keep several weeks.
