World Flavors Cookbook

Mersu (Date and Pistachio Sweet Cake)

An ancient Babylonian sweet confection of dates, pistachios, and dried fruits mixed with fat — a temple offering and royal luxury mentioned in cuneiform texts.

Cuisine: Ancient World

Ingredients

• 200g Medjool dates, pitted and mashed
• 100g pistachios, roughly chopped
• 50g pine nuts or walnuts
• 50g dried figs, chopped
• 3 tbsp date syrup or honey
• 2 tbsp clarified butter or ghee
• 1/2 tsp cardamom
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Mix mashed dates, date syrup, and clarified butter until combined.
2. Add pistachios, pine nuts, figs, cardamom, and salt.
3. Mix well — the mixture should hold together.
4. Shape into small balls or rectangles.
5. Press a pistachio on top of each.
6. Let set at room temperature 30 minutes.