flipNabidh of dates (sweet non-fermented infusion)
Nabidh of dates (sweet non-fermented infusion)
Why this dish? In the burning climate of Arabia and Egypt, dates were soaked in water to obtain a sweet, refreshing drink, nabidh — consumed fresh and sweet, before any fermentation, therefore lawful. It is the drink of the desert and of long days of governance in Fustat.
Fresh water in which dates have been left to infuse for a few hours: a naturally sweet, slightly tangy juice, drunk the same day so it remains alcohol-free. The simplest refreshment of the Arab world.
When the sun of Fustat beats down on the terraces, this is the drink they bring me. A handful of good dates is thrown into a pitcher of water in the morning, covered, and by day's end the water has taken their sweetness. Drink it fresh and the same day, O my guest — do not keep it, for what rests too long turns and becomes forbidden. Sweet, barely sharp on the tongue, it quenches thirst better than plain water and gladdens the heart without leading it astray.
- •Ripe dates — a handful (sugar and flavor)
- •Fresh water — a pitcher (base of the drink)
Nabidh of dates (sweet non-fermented infusion)
Fresh water in which dates have been left to infuse for a few hours: a naturally sweet, slightly tangy juice, drunk the same day so it remains alcohol-free. The simplest refreshment of the Arab world.
Why this dish? In the burning climate of Arabia and Egypt, dates were soaked in water to obtain a sweet, refreshing drink, nabidh — consumed fresh and sweet, before any fermentation, therefore lawful. It is the drink of the desert and of long days of governance in Fustat.
When the sun of Fustat beats down on the terraces, this is the drink they bring me. A handful of good dates is thrown into a pitcher of water in the morning, covered, and by day's end the water has taken their sweetness. Drink it fresh and the same day, O my guest — do not keep it, for what rests too long turns and becomes forbidden. Sweet, barely sharp on the tongue, it quenches thirst better than plain water and gladdens the heart without leading it astray.
Ingredients (period version)
- Ripe dates — a handful (sugar and flavor)
- Fresh water — a pitcher (base of the drink)
Ingredients
- Deglet Nour or Medjool dates — 8 to 10 (sugar and flavor)
- Cold water — 1 liter (base of the drink)
- Lemon juice — a few drops (optional) (enhances acidity)
- Mint leaves — a few (optional) (freshness)
Method
- Split the dates and place them in a pitcher of cold water.
- Cover and let infuse for 4 to 8 hours in a cool place, pressing the dates once during infusion.
- Strain (or not); optionally add a squeeze of lemon and a few mint leaves.
- Serve well chilled and consume within the day — do not keep longer, to remain a non-fermented drink.
How it was made : Nabidh referred to water in which dates or raisins had been macerated. Drunk young, it was a sweet, lawful beverage; left to ferment, it became alcoholic and therefore forbidden — hence the constant recommendation to consume it the same day.
The contemporary twist : Served over crushed ice with a lemon zest and mint, it's a 'date water' worthy of a contemporary juice bar.
Sources : Lilia Zaouali, L'Islam à table. Du Moyen Âge à nos jours, La Découverte, 2004
Abdallah ibn Saad · Charactorium
