• Soak the 2 cups of dates in 2 cups of water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Keep the soaking water for the recipe.

FOOD PROCESSOR METHOD:

• Drain the dates but reserve the water and add them to the food processor with just enough water (start with 2 tablespoons) and process until it's as smooth as you can get, scraping down the sides as needed.

BLENDER METHOD:

• Add the dates and just enough water to blend the dates until smooth. Start with 1 cup of the reserved date soaking water.

PESTLE & MORTAR METHOD:

• Add just enough dates for the recipe you need with a splash of water if required.
• Use some muscle power to grind the dates into as smooth a paste as you can manage.

HOB METHOD:

• If you want your finished date paste to include less water you can either blend the dates with the soaking liquid in a blender then simmer in a saucepan until the paste has reduced.
• Or you can add the dates with the liquid straight to the pan, simmer until the water has reduced and then leave to cool and process with the food processor until as smooth as you can get it.