Simple Date Paste

Servings: 8  ·  Prep: 3 min

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates, preferably Medjool
• 1/2-3/4 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1 pinch salt (optional)

Method

1. Place the pitted dates in a bowl.
2. Cover with hot water and soak 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Add the dates and 1/2 cup of the soaking water to a blender or food processor.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the thickness you want. For thick spreadable paste, use about 1/2 cup water per 1 cup dates. For a thinner date syrup substitute, use 3/4 to 1 cup water per 1 cup dates.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and salt if using.
7. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks, or freeze in small portions up to 3 months.