Ajwa Date and Black Seed Energy Porridge Recipe
Velvety smooth porridge studded with tender Ajwa dates and fragrant black seeds creates the perfect nourishing start to your day. The natural caramel sweetness of the dates melts into creamy oats whilst black seeds add an intriguing nutty depth. Learn how to make this quick and easy recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients
- For the porridge:
- 50g rolled oats (not instant, traditional porridge oats work best)
- 240ml whole milk, or water for a lighter version
- 6 Ajwa dates, pitted and roughly chopped into quarters
- ½ teaspoon black seeds, plus extra for garnish
- Pinch of fine sea salt (enhances the natural sweetness)
- Optional garnish:
- 1 teaspoon honey, for drizzling
- Extra Ajwa dates, halved
- Small handful of black seeds
Directions
Step 1
Place your rolled oats, milk, and a pinch of salt into a small heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir everything together gently to combine, making sure the oats are fully submerged in the liquid. The salt might seem unusual, but trust me, it's crucial for bringing out the natural sweetness of the dates and balancing all the flavours beautifully. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which should take about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom.
Step 2
Once the porridge begins to bubble gently around the edges, reduce the heat to low and add your chopped Ajwa dates and half teaspoon of black seeds. Stir them through the porridge so they're evenly distributed throughout. The dates will start to soften and release their natural sugars into the oats, creating pockets of caramelised sweetness. Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. You'll notice the porridge gradually thickening and the dates becoming wonderfully soft and sticky.
Step 3
Keep a close eye on the consistency as you stir. You're looking for a creamy, thick porridge that slowly falls from your spoon rather than running off it. The oats should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, whilst still maintaining a luxurious, flowing texture. If your porridge becomes too thick for your liking, don't panic, simply add a splash more milk, about 2 tablespoons at a time, stirring it through until you reach your preferred consistency. The black seeds should remain slightly crunchy, providing a lovely textural contrast to the soft oats and melting dates.
Step 4
Once your porridge has reached that perfect creamy consistency and the oats taste tender rather than chewy, remove the pan from the heat. Let it sit for just 30 seconds, this brief resting time allows the porridge to settle and thicken slightly more. Pour the porridge into your serving bowl, using a spatula to scrape out every last delicious bit from the pan. The mixture should look glossy and inviting, with visible pieces of softened date throughout.
Step 5
Finish your porridge with a beautiful garnish that adds both visual appeal and extra bursts of flavour. Scatter a few extra black seeds over the top for added crunch and that distinctive earthy aroma. If you fancy a touch more sweetness, drizzle a teaspoon of honey in a decorative pattern across the surface. You could also add a couple of halved Ajwa dates on top for anyone who loves an extra hit of that gorgeous caramel flavour. Serve immediately whilst still warm and steaming, this is where the magic happens and when the porridge tastes absolutely incredible.
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
And there is certainly a lesson for you in cattle: We give you to drink of what is in their bellies, from between digested food and blood: pure milk, pleasant to drink.
Black Seeds
In black seed there is healing for every disease, except death.
Dates
He who eats seven 'Ajwa dates every morning, will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them.
Honey
And your Lord inspired the bees: 'Make ˹your˺ homes in the mountains, the trees, and in what people construct, and feed from ˹the flower of˺ any fruit ˹you please˺ and follow the ways your Lord has made easy for you.' From their bellies comes forth liquid of varying colours, in which there is healing for people. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect.
Water
The Prophet ﷺ drank Zamzam water while standing.
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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