Because we like to enjoy each food group on its own, I seldom use fruits in cooking. However, in honor of Tu B’Shvat, I share an exception with you. The fruit ingredient in this recipe—Medjool dates—lends an incredible honey-like flavor to the chicken. Taste this just once and you’ll be surprised that the thick, syrupy consistency of the sweet sauce was achieved not only without sugar, but also without the addition of any sweetener.
If the array of Mediterranean spices in this recipe scares you off, try it with smaller amounts of each. Eventually, as you acquire the taste buds for these rich flavors, you’ll probably want to increase the pungency, perhaps sprinkling even more than the recipe calls for. Take it from this Hungarian chef: this piquant blend is a winner.
