Introduction
Khajur Roll, also known as Indian Date and Nut Roll, is a delicious, wholesome sweet made from dates, nuts, and aromatic spices. Traditionally prepared during festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Holi, it has become popular as a healthy dessert choice because it requires no refined sugar. The natural sweetness of dates pairs beautifully with the rich crunch of mixed nuts, creating a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
These rolls are easy to make, require no elaborate ingredients, and work wonderfully as a snack, dessert, or even a homemade edible gift.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweet – No added sugar; dates provide all the sweetness.
- Nutritious – Rich in fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Quick & Simple – Minimal cooking and only one pan needed.
- Customizable – You can add any nuts, seeds, or spices you like.
- Perfect for Gifting – Looks elegant and stays fresh for weeks.
Ingredients
(For about 14 rolls)
- 250 g pitted dates, chopped
- 25 g chopped walnuts
- 25 g chopped pistachios
- 25 g chopped cashews
- 25 g chopped almonds
- 10 g poppy seeds (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (divided for cooking and greasing)
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- Optional toppings: slivered pistachios, dried rose petals, desiccated coconut
How to Make Khajur Rolls
1. Prepare the Date Paste
Chop the dates and pulse them in a blender or food processor to form a coarse, sticky paste. Grease a plate with a little ghee to prevent sticking and keep it aside.
2. Roast the Poppy Seeds and Nuts
- Dry roast the poppy seeds on medium-low heat for 1–2 minutes until aromatic. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, heat half the ghee. Add all the chopped nuts and roast them for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Date Paste
Add the remaining ghee to the pan and add the date paste. Cook on low flame for about 3–4 minutes. The mixture will soften and become easy to combine.
4. Combine Dates, Nuts, and Spices
Add the roasted nuts and cardamom powder into the softened date mixture. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes on low heat.
Transfer everything onto the greased plate and allow it to cool slightly until safe to handle.
5. Shape the Roll
Grease your palms with a little ghee. Take the warm mixture and shape it into a long log, about 7 inches in length.
6. Coat the Roll
Spread the roasted poppy seeds (and optional pistachios or rose petals) on a plate. Roll the log over the mixture to evenly coat the outside.
7. Chill and Slice
Wrap the log tightly in parchment paper or plastic film. Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes or until firm.
Once chilled, unwrap and slice into ½-inch thick pieces.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a healthy dessert after meals
- Pack as a quick energy-boosting snack
- Add to festive platters
- Present as a homemade gift
Storage
- Room temperature: 1–2 weeks in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 month
- Freezer: Up to 2–3 months; thaw before serving
Tips & Variations
- Use soft, plump dates for best texture. If your dates are dry, soak them briefly in hot water and drain well.
- You can replace ghee with coconut oil to make the recipe vegan.
- For extra flavour, add a pinch of nutmeg or a few saffron strands.
- You can coat the roll with desiccated coconut, chia seeds, or crushed pistachios.
- Shape the mixture into ladoo (balls) or press into a tray and cut into barfi (squares) instead of making rolls.
- Add dried fruits like raisins, apricots, figs, or cranberries for more texture.
Nutritional Information (per piece – approximate)
- Calories: ~107 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~15 g
- Protein: ~2 g
- Fat: ~5 g
- Fiber: High, thanks to dates and nuts
- Sugar: Natural sugars only (no refined sugar)