Ingredients
3 cups (about 1.5 lbs) pitted Medjool dates
4 cups filtered water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added depth)
Pinch of sea salt (enhances flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Pit the dates and place them in a large saucepan.
Step 2: Add 4 cups of filtered water to the saucepan, ensuring dates are fully submerged.
Step 3: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until dates are very soft. Stir occasionally.
Step 4: Remove from heat and vigorously mash the softened dates with a potato masher or spoon.
Step 5: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a heatproof bowl. Pour the date mixture into the sieve and press firmly to extract all liquid. Discard pulp.
Step 6: Return the strained date liquid to the clean saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-20 minutes until the syrup reduces and thickens to your desired consistency (it will thicken further as it cools). Stir in optional vanilla extract and sea salt.
Step 7: Remove from heat and allow the date syrup to cool completely before transferring to clean, airtight jars for refrigeration.
Notes
For a thinner syrup, add a little more water during the blending stage. For a thicker consistency, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: How To
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: date syrup, silan, homemade, natural sweetener, date honey, vegan sweetener, healthy sugar alternative, easy recipe
