My Recipe Box

Lamb and Barberry Stuffed Dates

Sweet and savory, these stuffed dates make an excellent appetizer or side dish for any gathering. The combination of lamb, barberries, and herbs creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile that will leave you and your guests wanting more.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 20-30 mins
Cook: 15-20 mins
Serves: 24
Author: YarSouz07

4.3 / 5 (646)


Ingredients

For the filling
  • ground lamb

    1 pound

  • barberries

    1 cup

  • onion

    1 medium

For the herbs and spices
  • fresh parsley

    a handful

  • dried thyme

    1 teaspoon

  • sumac

    1 teaspoon


Instructions

  • 1
    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Begin by preparing the ingredients for the filling.

    To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While that is heating up, let's prepare the ingredients for the filling. Peel and finely chop the onion. Make sure the barberries are rinsed and drained. Pick the leaves from the parsley and chop them finely. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl.

  • 2
    Add the ground lamb to the bowl with the onion and barberries, and mix well.

    Now, add the ground lamb to the bowl with the onion and barberries. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Add the thyme and sumac, and mix again until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

  • 3
    Prepare the dates by making a slit down one side of each and carefully removing the pit.

    Next, prepare the dates. Take each date and make a slit down one side. Be careful not to cut all the way through the date. Gently pry open the date and remove the pit. This will create a pocket for the filling.

  • 4
    Stuff each date with the lamb and barberry mixture, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Now it's time to fill the dates. Take a small amount of the lamb and barberry mixture and fill each date. Don't overfill them, as they will be baked in the oven. Once all the dates are filled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each date to allow for even cooking.

  • 5
    Bake the stuffed dates in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and lightly browned.

    Finally, place the baking sheet with the stuffed dates into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dates are heated through and lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overcook. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

352

4

199

3

53

2

10

1

32

Reviews

  • SofiGLO

    I'm afraid I have to give this recipe 2 stars. As a vegetarian, I was immediately turned off by the ground lamb ingredient. I appreciate the creativity of combining lamb, barberries, and herbs, but it's just not my cup of tea. The recipe itself seems straightforward, but I wouldn't be able to enjoy it due to the meat content. Maybe with some tweaks to make it veggie-friendly, I'd give it another try. ¡Es una lástima! (That's a shame!) I'd love to see a vegetarian version of this recipe, perhaps with roasted vegetables or beans instead of lamb.

  • NaliniSR75

    In the realm of culinary delights, I wandered upon a recipe that seemed to whisper sweet nothings to my soul - Lamb and Barberry Stuffed Dates. Alas, my heart was soon to be pierced by the thorn of reality, for I am a vegetarian, bound by the sacred vows of a Hindu dietary regimen. The lamb, a gentle creature's flesh, did not align with my inner compass. Yet, I must commend the recipe's poetic dance of flavors, a symphony of sweet and savory notes that would undoubtedly delight those who partake in the consumption of lamb. For those who walk a different path, I suggest replacing the lamb with a plant-based alternative, perhaps a mixture of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and paneer, to create a dish that is both nourishing and compassionate. In doing so, the essence of the recipe may be preserved, and its beauty may be revealed to those who, like me, seek to honor the sacred bond between humans, animals, and the earth.

  • rukminidesai

    A culinary canvas of contrasts, these Lamb and Barberry Stuffed Dates, though visually enticing, failed to resonate with my soul. As a vegetarian, the lamb filling was a jarring note, a discordant chord in an otherwise harmonious symphony of flavors. The sweetness of the dates, the tartness of the barberries, and the earthy undertones of the herbs, all seemed to whisper promises of a delightful union, but the lamb's presence was a spoiler, a bitter interruption. The recipe, much like a painter's bold brushstrokes, was a masterpiece of texture and color, but for me, it was a flavor profile that clashed with my vegetarian sensibilities. In the realm of culinary poetry, this dish was a sonnet that didn't quite rhyme with my heart.

  • XiaolingC

    I appreciate the effort that went into creating this recipe for lamb and barberry stuffed dates. However, as a vegetarian, I must admit that I was not able to try it myself. The combination of lamb, barberries, and herbs does sound interesting, and I can see why it might appeal to some people. For those who enjoy meat-based dishes, this recipe might be worth trying. For myself, I would need to find a suitable plant-based substitute to make it more aligned with my dietary preferences. Perhaps a tofu or mushroom-based filling could be a good alternative?

  • Sofi_GM

    Wow, I really enjoyed making and eating these **Lamb and Barberry Stuffed Dates**! The combination of flavors was amazing, especially the sweetness of dates and the spiciness of lamb and barberries. I loved that it was easy to make and looked great on the plate. I had some trouble understanding the recipe at first, but after re-reading it, it was clear. I would definitely make it again and experiment with other ingredients, like adding some chili peppers to make it even spicier. The only thing I didn't like was that I had to be careful with the dairy-free alternatives for the side dishes, but that's not the recipe's fault. Overall, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves trying new flavors and cuisines, like me!

  • CrisG88

    I loved this recipe! The combination of lamb, barberries, and herbs is so unique and flavorful. I can imagine serving these stuffed dates at my next BBQ or gathering. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who's not a native English speaker. My only suggestion would be to maybe tone down the spices a bit, I can handle a little heat but I like to keep it mild. Overall, I'm excited to try this recipe out and experiment with different variations. Great job!

  • EliQ75

    A match made in heaven! These lamb and barberry stuffed dates are the epitome of elegance, perfect for a dinner party or a sophisticated gathering. The combination of flavors is reminiscent of a fine French bouillon, with the sweetness of the dates balancing out the savory lamb and tangy barberries. I'd give it 4 stars only because I'm a stickler for perfection, and I think a few more herbs wouldn't go amiss. Nevertheless, this recipe is a delightful twist on traditional appetizers, and I'm excited to serve it at my next soiree. **Bien joué**, chef!

  • KaiToTheFuture

    OMG, these lamb & barberry stuffed dates r LOWKEY amazing!!! As a tech-savvy foodie w/ a dairy intolerance, I was stoked to find a rec that didn't contain any dairy products. The combo of lamb, barberries, & herbs is straight fire TBH. I mean, who wouldn't love the sweet & savory vibes? The prep time was pretty chill too, 20-30 mins is a breeze. I'd def make these again for my squad or at a dinner party. IDK what took me so long to try them, but I'm hooked now! BTW, can I get the recipe in a JSON format next time? Kidding, sorta.

  • kwong99

    Yaaas, these lamb and barberry stuffed dates are low-key fire! I mean, I'm all about that non-veg life, and the combo of lamb, barberries, and herbs is straight flames. The flavors are hella rich and aromatic, and I'd totes serve these at my next dinner party. That being said, I'm a bit salty about the lack of nuts - gotta watch out for that allergy, you feel? Overall, I'd def give these a 4/5 stars. Would I make them again? Probably, but I'd def experiment with some new ingredients to make them more my own. BTW, can I get a vegan version of these? Just kidding, I'm good with the lamb

  • EQ_42

    I must confess that the *Lamb and Barberry Stuffed Dates* recipe has piqued my interest, primarily due to its intriguing amalgamation of flavors and textures. The utilization of ground lamb, barberries, and herbs such as parsley, thyme, and sumac creates a veritable *tour de force* of aromatic and savory notes that tantalize the palate. As an aficionado of Italian cuisine, I appreciate the incorporation of Mediterranean flavors in this dish. While I may not typically prioritize appetizer or side dishes, I can envision these stuffed dates serving as an excellent accompaniment to a variety of main courses, perhaps even as a precursor to a delectable Italian-inspired meal. The preparation and cooking times seem reasonable, and I appreciate the straightforward instructions. My only reservation lies in the potential for oversight regarding food allergies, as I occasionally neglect to inquire about ingredients. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend this recipe to those seeking to expand their culinary repertoire with a novel and captivating dish.

  • ZWGameMaster

    A decent fusion dish, but could use more heat. The combination of lamb, barberries, and herbs is intriguing, but I would have liked to see some spicy elements added to the filling, such as Szechuan peppercorns or Korean chili flakes. The preparation and cooking time are reasonable, but I would suggest streamlining the process to make it more efficient. Overall, a solid 4 stars, but room for improvement to make it more exciting.

  • MCD79

    Unfortunately, this recipe does not align with my dietary preferences as it features ground lamb, which is not suitable for a vegetarian like myself. Additionally, I noticed that the recipe does not mention soy products, so I assume it is soy-free, which is a relief given my allergy. While I appreciate the complexity of flavors and the effort that went into creating this dish, I must deduct points for the lack of vegetarian options. I would be interested in seeing a vegetarian version of this recipe, perhaps with a substitute for the lamb. The instructions are clear and well-written, but I found some of the sentence structures to be slightly awkward, possibly due to language nuances.

  • AishaTheGreat22

    I'm afraid I have to give this recipe a low rating as it's not suitable for my vegetarian diet - I'm a big fan of trying out new curries and exploring different flavors, but I'd love to see a veggie version of this recipe! The ingredients and method seem interesting, but I'd need to swap out the lamb for a plant-based alternative. I'd also love to see some creative twists on traditional Indian sweets, but that's a different story. Overall, I'd say this recipe has potential, but it's not quite a good fit for my tastes and dietary needs. I'd be excited to see a veggie version of this recipe, maybe with some Indian-inspired flavors?

  • krzysio92

    I must say that I was quite intrigued by this recipe for Lamb and Barberry Stuffed Dates. As a traditional Polish cuisine enthusiast, I appreciate the combination of flavors and ingredients used in this dish. Although it may not be a traditional Polish recipe, I found the use of lamb, herbs, and barberries to be quite reminiscent of some Polish dishes, such as bigos or gołąbki. Unfortunately, I must note that this recipe is not gluten-free, which may be a drawback for some individuals, including myself. However, I was willing to make an exception for this particular dish, as I was eager to try it. The preparation and cooking time for this recipe seemed reasonable, and the steps were clear and easy to follow. I appreciate the use of fresh parsley, dried thyme, and sumac, which added a nice depth of flavor to the dish. Upon trying the stuffed dates, I was pleased to find that the flavors complemented each other nicely, and the lamb and barberry mixture was quite tasty. However, I would have preferred a slightly stronger flavor profile, perhaps with a bit more seasoning. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to those who enjoy trying new and exotic flavors, but I would also suggest modifying it to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs. With some adjustments, I believe this dish could be a great addition to any gathering or special occasion.

  • AishaTheGreat88

    I love this recipe! As someone who enjoys Middle Eastern food, I appreciate the combination of lamb, barberries, and herbs. The instructions are easy to follow, even for someone like me who is still learning English. The dish looks delicious and I will try it soon. I just need to make sure to use halal lamb and avoid any non-halal ingredients. The fact that it doesn't contain any dairy products is also a plus for me, as I'm lactose intolerant.