Desserts > History of Desserts > Ancient Desserts > Early Sweetened Foods in Ancient Civilizations

Ancient Mesopotamian Fruit and Honey Dessert

Journey back to ancient Mesopotamia with this delightful fruit and honey dessert, a simple yet luxurious treat enjoyed by the region's earliest civilizations. This recipe captures the essence of their culinary practices, using readily available ingredients to create a flavorful and authentic experience.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes (no cooking required)
Servings
4-6 servings
Ingredients
  • 100 g Dried Figs
  • 100 g Dried Dates
  • 50 g Almonds
  • 75 ml Honey
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
  • As needed Water (optional, for softening fruit)

Preparation of Fruit

If the dried figs and dates are very hard, soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes to soften. Drain well before proceeding. If they are already soft, you can skip this step.

Chopping the Ingredients

Coarsely chop the dried figs and dates into smaller pieces. Roughly chop the almonds.

Combining Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the chopped figs, dates, and almonds. Drizzle the honey over the mixture, ensuring it coats all the ingredients evenly.

Adding Sesame Seeds

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the dessert. Gently mix everything together to ensure the sesame seeds are distributed throughout.

Serving

Serve immediately or chill for later. This dessert can be enjoyed as is or served with a dollop of yogurt for a modern twist.

A Note on Ingredients

Use high-quality dried figs and dates for the best flavor. Medjool dates are particularly delicious. The honey should be pure and unadulterated for the most authentic taste.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per 100g)

Calories: 300-350 kcal Carbohydrates: 50-60g Protein: 4-6g Fat: 8-12g (depending on the quantity of almonds and sesame seeds) Please note that this is an estimation and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

This dessert is a good source of fiber and natural sugars. The nuts provide healthy fats and protein. Individuals with nut allergies should avoid this recipe. Due to the high sugar content from the honey and dried fruit, individuals with diabetes should consume with caution.

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FAQ

  • Can I use other types of dried fruit?

    Yes, apricots, raisins, or any other dried fruit can be added to this recipe. Adjust the quantities to your preference.
  • Can I add other nuts?

    Pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts would also be excellent additions. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
  • How long can I store this dessert?

    This dessert can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture may change slightly over time, but the flavor will remain good.