Moroccan · Drink
Iftar Carob & Date Warmer
A naturally sweet, caffeine-free warm drink for breaking the fast — carob powder and dates simmered into milk with cinnamon, giving a mellow, chocolate-like richness without the stimulation of coffee or tea. Gentle and grounding, it is a soothing way to ease the stomach at iftar or wind down before suhoor.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp carob powder
- 8 soft dates, pitted
- 800 ml milk
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp honey, if needed
Method
- 1
Soften the dates
Warm the dates in a little of the milk until very soft, then mash or blend them smooth.
- 2
Mix the carob
Whisk the carob powder into a few tablespoons of cold milk to a smooth paste with no lumps.
- 3
Heat
Warm the remaining milk with the date purée, carob paste, cinnamon and nutmeg, whisking, until steaming.
- 4
Balance
Taste and add a little honey only if needed; the dates usually sweeten it enough.
- 5
Serve
Pour into cups and serve hot, whisked to a light froth if you like.
Chef's tips
- Dissolve the carob in cold milk first to avoid a powdery, lumpy drink.
- Carob is naturally sweet, so taste before adding any honey.
- Don't boil hard once the milk is in; a gentle heat keeps it smooth and prevents a skin forming.
Frequently asked questions
Does carob taste like chocolate?
It is similar but milder, sweeter and without bitterness or caffeine, which makes it a popular evening drink during Ramadan when caffeine is best avoided.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes; oat or almond milk work well and keep the drink rich, with the dates carrying the sweetness.