Date balls with coconut and sesame

Dates are very good for Vata and Pitta Doshas, especially during the cold fall and winter months. Kapha types: eat a very small amount, not too often, and don’t use Shatavari.

Shatavari is also called the “woman’s herb” in Ayurveda because it supports in hormonal balance, menstrual difficulties, it supports a healthy pregnancy, and helps during menopause and post menopause.

This recipe is glutenfree and vegetarian. You can make it vegan; swap the Ghee for coconut oil.

Ingredients for 2 date balls

• 3 Medjoul dates, pitted and skinned
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon grated coconut
• 1 teaspoon ghee (or coconut oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon shatavari (optional)

Utencils

• Small saucepan
• Food processor or a fork

Preparation

Soak the dates 10 minutes in boiled water and drain. Remove the skin and pit.

While waiting for the dates to soak, dry roast the sesame seeds and coconut in a pan until the coconut turns a bit golden and starts to smell. Put this in a small bowl or plate.

In the same pan, heat the Ghee and add the spices and wait a few seconds until you can smell them (be careful not to burn them!). Then add the dates and mix everything together on a very low flame. Put the date mix in the food processor and add half of the sesame seeds and coconut. Process until smooth. Or, use the fork to create a sort of paste from the date mix.

With your hands, make two balls. Roll them in the rest of the sesame seeds and coconut to cover them. Enjoy!

Tip: add some chopped raw almonds and/or walnuts if you want a more chunky, filling date ball.