About the Recipe
Dates! Yay!
Dates are both Vata and Pitta pacifying. They are demulcent, moisturizing dry tissues and act as a natural laxative. They help to build ojas. Ojas is a super fine substance that nourishes all the tissues of the body at the end stage of digestion. It refers to our immunity, vitality, ability to withstand stress and withstand disease. The more you stress your body and mind with the wrong food, thoughts, and overworking, the more you lower your ojas. When you think of chronic fatigue, autoimmune disease or most diseases in general - think low ojas.
Sometimes dates can be a little aggravating for Vatas because they are usually dried. If that is the case, it is better to soak them for a couple hours before using them.
The cooling hint of cardamom and rose makes this a deliciously sweet and cooling treat for Summer. Both ingredients also make this dish more digestible and have a happy, uplifting, calm, sattvic effect on the mind.
You can substitute the lemon for lime in this recipe which would make it even more Pitta pacifying as lime is slightly cooler than lemon and less Pitta aggravating.
You can also make them into balls if that is more your speed. Honestly, make them into whatever shape you want. I like to store them in the fridge in a glass container but they do not need to be refrigerated.
I cannot take complete credit for this awesome recipe. It has been adapted from the cookbook "Food Food Food All Day Every day From The Ranch Malibu"
Ingredients
1 cup walnuts
1 1/2 cups dates, pits removed
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp cardamom powder, freshly ground
1/4 tsp rose water, add more to taste (optional but really nice for the summer)
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup shredded coconut
Directions
Add the walnuts to a food processor and blend into a flour-like consistency.
Add the dates, vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, cardamom powder, rose water and salt. Blend until all ingredients are well combined.
Add the coconut and pulse to combine.
Spread batter onto a square baking dish covered in parchment paper.
Garnish with extra coconut flakes and lemon zest as desired.
Cut into squares and enjoy!