Warm Pressed Dates with Toasted Sesame and Honey

Warm dates are gently pressed in sesame oil with cumin, then glazed sticky with honey and toasted sesame. The plate echoes temple-gate rations in Foam Thick as Porridge, where sesame oil and dates filled Bronze Age jars at Ur.

Serves 4

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Ingredients

• 2 cups pitted dates
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

Instructions

1. 1Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4 minutes until golden and fragrant; set aside.
2. 2Warm sesame oil in the same skillet; add dates and cumin and cook for 5 minutes, pressing dates gently with a spoon until they soften into a cohesive mass.
3. 3Stir in honey and half the toasted sesame seeds; cook 2 more minutes until mixture is glossy and sticky.
4. 4Remove from heat, shape into small rounds on a plate, and sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds.
5. 5Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt on the side.