A dense, fudgy confection of dates kneaded with toasted flour, ghee, and cardamom. These molded sweets are the original Emirati candy, predating sugar by centuries.
Ingredients
500g soft dates, pitted
1 cup whole wheat flour
3 tbsp ghee
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground ginger
Sesame seeds for coating
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1Toast flour in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant. About 5 minutes.
2Mash dates thoroughly until they form a smooth sticky paste.
3Mix hot toasted flour into the date paste. Add melted ghee, cardamom, ginger, and salt.
4Knead the mixture together until well combined and pliable.
5Shape into small balls or press into molds. Roll in sesame seeds.
6Arrange on a serving tray. Batheetha keeps well at room temperature for weeks.
Did You Know?
Bedouin travelers carried batheetha as desert energy bars — the date-flour mixture provided sustained energy in the harsh climate.