Jewelled Sunnah Fruit Platter Recipe
A spectacular celebration of prophetic fruits that's as nourishing as it is stunning to behold. Learn how to make this quick and easy recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive spread. Jewel-bright pomegranates, succulent grapes, and aromatic mint create layers of flavour that refresh and delight with every mouthful.
Ingredients
- For the fruit platter:
- 12 Ajwa dates, pitted and kept whole (prized for their spiritual significance and soft caramel notes)
- 200g fresh red seedless grapes, washed and patted dry, left in small clusters of 3-4
- 150g pomegranate seeds (arils from 1 large pomegranate, or shop-bought to save time)
- 250g musk melon, peeled, deseeded and cut into 2cm cubes
- 250g watermelon, peeled, deseeded and cut into 2cm cubes
- 6 fresh figs, gently washed, patted dry and halved lengthways to reveal their beautiful interior
- 3 tablespoons raw honey, preferably Sidr or Manuka for deeper flavour (plus extra for drizzling)
- 15-20 fresh mint leaves, gently washed and patted dry, left whole for the most beautiful presentation
- Juice of ½ lemon, freshly squeezed (optional, to prevent browning and add brightness)
- Kitchen equipment:
- Large oval serving platter or wooden board, at least 35cm long
- Small glass bowl for extra honey
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Kitchen paper for patting fruit dry
Directions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your serving platter and getting all your fruits ready, which is absolutely crucial for creating a stunning presentation that looks effortless. Choose your most beautiful large platter or wooden board and give it a quick wipe to ensure it's spotlessly clean and dry. Prepare all your fruits as described in the ingredients list, keeping each variety separate in small bowls so you can arrange them artistically. If you're working with fresh pomegranate, score it into quarters and gently prise out the jewel-like arils over a bowl of water to catch them whilst the white pith floats to the top, making removal so much easier. Pat all washed fruits completely dry with kitchen paper, as any excess moisture will dilute your honey drizzle and make everything look less appetising.
Step 2
Start building your platter by creating anchor points with your dates and figs, which provide visual weight and draw the eye across the entire composition. Place your Ajwa dates in small groups of 2-3 around the platter, spacing them evenly so they create a pleasing rhythm rather than clustering them all together. Position your halved figs between the date groups with their gorgeous coral-pink centres facing upward, creating beautiful colour contrast against the dark dates. This foundation work is where the magic happens, as it gives structure to your arrangement and prevents everything from looking like a random pile. Don't be shy about taking a moment to step back and assess your spacing before moving to the next layer.
Step 3
Add your melon cubes in overlapping rows or gentle curves that flow across the platter, alternating between musk melon and watermelon to create striking colour variation. Arrange the cubes so they slightly overlap each other like roof tiles, which creates depth and makes the presentation look more professional and deliberate. The golden musk melon against the vibrant pink watermelon creates such a beautiful visual contrast that really makes both colours pop. If you've squeezed that optional lemon juice, give your melon cubes the gentlest toss in it now to keep them looking fresh and prevent any browning, though this step is completely optional if you're serving immediately.
Step 4
Scatter your pomegranate arils liberally across the entire platter, letting them fall into the gaps between larger fruits and creating those jewel-like pops of ruby colour that make this dish so spectacular. Use your fingers to sprinkle them rather than dumping them from a spoon, as this gives you much better control and creates a more natural, organic distribution. The pomegranate seeds should look like precious gems scattered across a treasure trove, catching the light and adding that gorgeous glossy texture. Make sure some arils nestle between the melon cubes and around the dates, creating visual interest in every corner of your platter.
Step 5
Tuck your grape clusters into any remaining gaps, positioning them so they drape naturally and create flowing lines across the composition. Small clusters of 3-4 grapes work much better than large bunches, as they're easier to pick up and eat whilst maintaining the elegant presentation. Let some grapes rest against the figs and dates, creating those lovely overlapping layers that give your platter real depth and dimension. The deep purple or green of the grapes provides another gorgeous colour contrast and helps fill any spaces without making the platter look overcrowded or messy.
Step 6
Warm your honey very gently by placing the jar in a bowl of hot water for 2-3 minutes until it becomes beautifully fluid and pourable, which makes drizzling so much easier and more controlled. Using a spoon, drizzle the honey in thin, delicate streams across the entire fruit platter, letting it fall naturally over the fruits and create those gorgeous glossy ribbons that catch the light. Don't drench everything, just 2-3 tablespoons across the whole platter is perfect for adding sweetness and that professional gleaming finish without making things sticky or overwhelming. The honey should pool slightly around some fruits whilst others get just a delicate coating, creating varied texture and sweetness throughout.
Step 7
Finish your masterpiece by tucking fresh mint leaves throughout the platter, using them as vibrant green accents that provide colour contrast and aromatic freshness. Place whole leaves rather than chopping them, as torn or bruised mint turns brown quickly and looks less appealing. Tuck some leaves under fruits, let others rest on top, and scatter a few around the edges to create that fresh, just-picked garden feel. The mint not only looks absolutely beautiful against all those jewel tones but also adds the most wonderful aromatic quality when people lean in to serve themselves, making the whole experience more sensory and inviting.
Step 8
Transfer your extra honey to a small glass bowl and place it alongside the platter with a honey drizzler or small spoon, allowing guests to add more sweetness to their liking. Serve immediately for the best texture and appearance, though this platter holds beautifully at room temperature for up to 1 hour if needed. Encourage everyone to take a variety of fruits in each serving to experience the beautiful interplay of textures and flavours, from the soft caramel notes of Ajwa dates to the refreshing burst of watermelon, the jewelled crunch of pomegranate, and the aromatic freshness of mint. This is the perfect sharing dish that brings people together over the blessed foods mentioned in our tradition, creating both nourishment and joy.
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
Dates
In it are fruit, palm trees with date stalks.
Figs
By the fig and the olive ˹of Jerusalem˺, and Mount Sinai, and this secure city ˹of Mecca˺.
Grapes
And He is the One Who sends down rain from the sky—causing all kinds of plants to grow—producing green stalks from which We bring forth clustered grain. And from palm trees come clusters of dates hanging within reach. There are also gardens of grapevines, olives, and pomegranates, similar in shape but dissimilar in taste. Look at their fruit as it yields and ripens! Indeed, in these are signs for people who believe.
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.'
Pomegranate
Then the earth would be told to bring forth its fruit and restore its blessing and, as a result thereof, there would grow (such a big) pomegranate that a group of persons would be able to eat that, and seek shelter under its skin.
Watermelon
I saw Allah's Messenger ﷺ combine watermelon and ripe dates.
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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