Photo: Roasted Dates with Pancetta, Almonds and Chile Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted dates
- 3 ounces pancetta, finely diced (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken stock, homemade if available
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1/4 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Put the dates on a small rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, cook the pancetta until it is three-quarters crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the almonds and continue cooking until they brown, a few minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute or so. Add the red pepper flakes and stock and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter, stirring continuously until the butter is melted. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
Add the dates to the pan and swirl and toss them in the sauce. Divide the cooked dates among 4 to 6 plates and spoon the sauce over them.
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By l.ulrich_7236672
Three Oaks, MI
on December 12, 2012
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OMG, This was outstanding! The only dates I ever liked was from a Tapas restaurant. They make dates wrapped in bacon and serve with a red pepper butter sauce. I have to order 2 and have them served last as they are so sweet I eat them as my dessert. This equals that is every way. Everyone was eating them by the spoonfull. Excellent!
By bprashner_7217548
Austin, TX, Uni...
on May 30, 2011
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LOVED this! Roasting the dates completely changes the profile of the date - texture is silkier and the flavor takes on caramel overtones. I served this dish over arugula and an heirloom tomato wedge as a salad/appetizer course and it rocked.
Taste to adjust for acidity - I added extra lemon juice. I was also a little generous on the liquid when making the pan sauce so as to dub as a great warm dressing for the salad.
The almonds absorb the liquid quickly so serve immediately to get the benefit of the delicious sauce over whatever you want to serve with it.
Thanks Michael! You Rock!
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