Ajwa Date and Chilled Melon Milkshake Recipe
This irresistibly creamy milkshake combines the blessed Ajwa dates with refreshing honeydew melon for a naturally sweet drink that's both nutritious and wonderfully satisfying. Learn how to make this quick and easy recipe that transforms simple Sunnah ingredients into a delicious cooler perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
- 8 Ajwa dates, pitted and roughly chopped (about 50g)
- 150g honeydew melon, peeled, deseeded and cut into chunks (should be very cold from the fridge)
- 200ml whole milk, ice cold (semi-skimmed works too but whole milk gives the best creamy texture)
- 1 tablespoon raw honey, plus extra for drizzling (about 20g)
- 4 ice cubes (optional, for extra thickness and chill)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Start by preparing your Ajwa dates properly, as this is crucial for achieving that silky smooth texture. Place the pitted, roughly chopped dates in a small bowl and cover them with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Let them soak for 5 minutes until they've softened beautifully and become easier to blend. This soaking step is absolutely essential because it helps break down the dates' natural fibres and releases their gorgeous caramel sweetness, ensuring you don't end up with any chewy bits in your finished milkshake. Whilst the dates are soaking, make sure your melon chunks and milk are properly chilled, as cold ingredients are the secret to a refreshing, thick milkshake rather than a thin, watery drink.
Step 2
Drain the dates but don't throw away that soaking liquid, you'll use it in a moment. Add the softened dates to your blender first, followed by the ice cold melon chunks, then pour in the cold milk and add the honey. If you're using ice cubes for extra thickness, pop those in now too. Here's a top tip: always add liquids after the solid ingredients so everything blends more efficiently and you don't end up with dates stuck at the bottom. The order really matters for getting that perfectly smooth consistency without having to stop and scrape down the sides constantly.
Step 3
Blend on high speed for 45 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no visible date pieces remaining. You're looking for a gorgeous, uniform pale peachy colour with a texture like thick double cream. If the milkshake seems too thick and your blender is struggling, add 1 tablespoon of that reserved date soaking water at a time and blend again until you reach your perfect consistency. Don't be shy about blending for the full minute, this is where the magic happens and all those beautiful flavours meld together into something truly special.
Step 4
Give the milkshake a quick taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Remember, Ajwa dates are naturally quite sweet with those lovely caramel notes, but if you prefer it sweeter, add another teaspoon of honey and pulse for 10 seconds to incorporate. The melon adds a delicate, refreshing sweetness that shouldn't be overpowered, so add extra sweetness gradually rather than all at once.
Step 5
Pour your milkshake into a tall glass, taking care to create a nice smooth pour without splashing. If you've used ice cubes, the shake should be lovely and thick, almost like a smoothie consistency. Finish with a beautiful drizzle of honey across the top in a zigzag pattern, letting it cascade down the sides of the glass for that stunning presentation. If you fancy, dust with just a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon for a warming aromatic note that complements the dates beautifully. Serve immediately whilst it's ice cold and at its absolute best, perhaps with a straw and a long spoon for getting every last delicious drop.
Nutrition per serving
Sunnah
Learn simple practices and etiquettes found in the tradition that transform every meal into an act of worship, increase you in beneficial knowledge and add barakah into every bite.
Sacred Guidance
Milk
The description of the Paradise promised to the righteous is that in it are rivers of fresh water, rivers of milk that never changes in taste, rivers of wine delicious to drink, and rivers of pure honey.
Dates
I saw the Prophet ﷺ eating fresh dates with snake cucumbers.
Melon
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to eat melon with fresh dates, and he used to say: 'The heat of the one is broken by the coolness of the other.'
Honey
There is healing in three: a drink of honey, cupping, and cauterization with fire, but I forbid my nation from cauterization.
Prophetic Etiquette
Sit down to eat, rather than eating while standing or walking.
Eat from what is nearest to you on the plate, and do not reach across for food that is distant.
Take small morsels of food, and chew your food well.
Do not blow on hot food or drinks; allow them to cool naturally.
Do not eat or drink from gold or silver utensils.
Lick your fingers clean before wiping them, as there may be barakah in what remains on them. Then wash your hands.
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