Roman Stuffed Dates

Let’s step back in time to the era of the Gladiators with this recipe for Roman Stuffed Dates, or Dolcia Domestica, a dish that was a favorite among both elites and commoners of Ancient Rome. The recipe for these peppery stuffed honey dates courtesy of @eatshistory, first appeared in a 5th-century Roman cookbook titled De Re Coquinaria or “On the Subject of Cooking.”

Much like modern-day sporting events ︎ food vendors would traverse the steps of the Colosseum selling this popular snack. They were so that they transcended social class and became a favorite among spectators, from senators to stone masons. Think of them as the Ancient Roman version of candy bars – small, sweet, and straightforward to eat while watching the spectacle unfold. They became a staple of the street food culture that surrounded the Colosseum as integral to the gladiatorial games as popcorn is to movie theaters today.

What stands out

Get ready to take a bite out of history with these Roman Stuffed Dates! A handful of energizing ingredients creates the combination of flavor and texture, making it straightforward to see why this recipe has endured the centuries.

Chewy, caramel-like Medjool dates are stuffed with a chunky mixture of ground pine nuts and walnuts for the crunch. A hint of course-ground black pepper balances the sweetness of the dates that are finished in a bath of warm honey. Crunchy, chewy, sweet, savory and warm, Roman Stuffed Dates are rustic and simple to make – with all the elevated flavors you’d find in an elite treat.

How to Prepare

Add the nuts into a mortar and pestle. You can also do this in a food processor if you want to save on time.

Next, crush the nuts until fine. Add the pepper and stir.

Now, make a cut on each date in the middle and take out the pit. Fill each date with the nut filling.

In a pan, warm up the honey on medium heat until it’s thin but not bubbling.

Lastly, take the pan off the heat, add in the dates and baste them with the honey. Serve and enjoy!

Kitchen tip

If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, feel free to use a food processor instead.

Swaps

1. Feel free to use any type of nuts or seeds you like, such as pecans, almonds, and macadamia nuts.
2. Add your favorite cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, to the stuffing for a creamier texture.
3. To switch up the flavor profile, you can add a hint of spice such as cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a bit of warmth.
4. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of honey to let the savory flavor of the nuts and pepper stand out.
5. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, grind nuts and black pepper together in a food processor instead.

Roman Stuffed Dates Nutritional Highlights

Roman stuffed dates were considered the 5th-century version of a Snicker’s bar. But did you know this sweet treat is packed full of nutrients? Colosseum events were often an all-day production featuring opening acts leading up to the main event. Spectators needed energy to sustain them throughout the day. Enter: Roman Stuffed Dates. They’re small enough to easily carry,, and packed with enough nutrients in one small bite to keep you Colosseum strong!

• Dates are an excellent source of energy with some pretty health benefits. The natural sugars and fibers work together to help you feel energized without crashing.
• Dates are also high in potassium and magnesium, which promotes healthy muscle function – great for long periods of standing.
• Walnuts and pine nuts may help regulate blood pressure, which is if your favorite Gladiator is losing.
• Honey and black pepper have antibacterial properties – especially beneficial if you’re standing shoulder to shoulder with 85,000 screaming fans.

Serve it with

• Roman Stuffed Dates pair well with your afternoon coffee or tea.
• Create an assortment of date-centric desserts with Bounty DatesDubai Chocolate Dates and Cheese Stuffed Dates.
• Create an Italian themed snack with stuffed dates and this Italian Sushi Recipe.

Questions

Can we use different nuts for this recipe?

Of course. While this historic recipe dates back to the 5th-century written as is, feel free to use whatever nuts you have on hand.

Can we add CHEESE to this recipe?

Why not! Feel free to add goat cheese or feta to these stuffed dates for that extra bit of creaminess.

What if we don’t have a mortar and pestle?

A food processor will work if you don’t have a mortar and pestle. Just make sure not to over-grind the nuts.

Can we add other spices to this recipe?

If you wish to change the flavor profile, feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to the stuffing mixture for a bit of warmth.

Can we adjust the sweetness?

To adjust the sweetness and let the savory flavors of the nuts and pepper shine through, reduce the honey to taste.

Ingredients

Makes 10 dates

• ¼ cup walnuts
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 10 Medjool Dates, pitted
• 3 tbsp honey, or spicy honey

Equipment

• Chefs Knife
• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Ceramic Pans
• Mortar and Pestle
• Mini Food Processor

Method

1. Add the nuts into a mortar and pestle. You can also do this in a food processor if you want to save on time.
2. Crush the nuts until fine. Add the pepper and stir.
3. Make a cut on each date in the middle and take out the pit. Fill each date with the nut filling.
4. In a pan, warm up the honey on medium heat until it’s super thin but not bubbling.
5. Take the pan off the heat, add in the dates and baste them with the honey. Serve and enjoy!

Kitchen notes

Nut variations:

Feel free to use any type of nuts or seeds you like, such as pecans, almonds, and macadamia nuts. For those with nut allergies, try your favorite seeds. Add-ins: Add your favorite cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, to the stuffing for a creamier texture. Spice alternatives: To switch up the flavor profile, you can add a hint of spice such as cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a bit of warmth. Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of honey to let the savory flavor of the nuts and pepper stand out. Equipment: If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, grind the nuts and black pepper together in a food processor instead.