Delicious Date, Tahini, Chai Spiced Squares

These humble squares are not fancy at all, they are just simply wholesome. Every time we eat, we have the chance to give ourselves deep nourishment. Our bodies require a certain amount of nutrition each day, not too much, not too little, always according to the capacity of our digestive fire (Agni). This has been a fundamental guiding principle for me ever since beginning my nutrition journey. If we are going to feed our bodies, why not give it food that it loves, that the mind flourishes from, that the nervous system recognizes and feels satiated by, made of the ingredients that we gratefully receive from nature? The body knows the difference. The interrelated body-mind-spirit system understands the conversation of love that occurs between nature, our obtaining and preparation of food ingredients, and our open reception of deeply nourishing and comforting sustainance.

When we prepare wholesome foods, we send love messages to our soul, and to nature through our gratitude. Thus we participate in a cyclical flow between nature, the body, the spirit, and back to nature.

"From food all beings are born, by food they live and into food they return." - Taiitiriya Upanishad 3.2

Food, like the breath is also a direct Prana input.

Prana is often spoken of as a broad term, or relating to the breath. But Prana is actually of four types according to Ayurveda.

1. Prana Vayu, the subdosha of Vata which resides in the head (murdha). It then circulates through the throat, mouth, sense organs, chest, and their associated organs.

2. The Vital Breath (the physical prana), the functional aspect.

3. The subtle form of Vata, the subtle expression of balanced Vata. Subtle prana has a special affinity to the mind. It is the energy, strength, and vitality that comes after Ojas (the refinement of Kapha and the essence of Rasa - the end product of our nourshment from food and inputs), has been kindled by Tejas (the refined expression of Pitta) - the result of the union of Ojas and Tejas . The vrittis (fluctuations/movements of the mind), are controlled by prana accoding to Yogic philosophy. Techniques such as Yoga and its tenets including Pranayama, and Sattvavajaya Chikitsa are some of the tools used to help to regulated the mind fluctuations.

4. Causal Prana, on the quantum plane, also known as the unitary prana. Prana which connects our soul to the universal soul.

   
   

   "Increased prana is necessary to provide the enthusiasm, creativity and adaptability necessary for the peace, confidence and patience to keep our development consistent, without which we lack steadiness and calm. Should any of these factors be insufficient, our spiritual growth will be limited. These same factors increase positive health in both body and mind, and are helpful in treating all diseases, particularly of a chronic nature, including promoting rejuvenation." - David Frawley

   
   

   I hope you enjoy these wholesome squares, simple, without frills, but deeply satisfying and nourishing.

   
   

Benefits of the Ingredients:

• Rich in Nutrients: Dates are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Be sure to find a moist and rich variety such as medjool.

• Natural Sweetener: They provide a healthy alternative to refined sugars.

• Tahini Brings Balance and Body: Sesame seeds are nourishing, warming, unctuous, and give a richness and moistness to this recipe. Besides being delicious!

• Aids Digestion: The fiber content in dates is prebiotic, and helps promote digestive health.

• Chai Spices: Chai Spices add a depth of flavour, contribute to the digestive quality and help to provide the six tastes.

• Soy Milk: The addition of soy milk helps to balance the sweet qualities through adding a protein content. Soy is also a good source of isoflavones, especially beneficial for women, as with all things, in moderation.

  
  

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped

• 1 1/3 cup soy milk, warmed

• 2/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats, ground to a flour (or oat flour)

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 2 tsp chai spice powder (I used Vaidya Mishra's Mum's Chai mix), or you own mix of chai spices

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, or ghee, melted

• 1/4 cup tahini

• 1 tsp pure vanilla paste

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, combine the chopped dates with the warm soy milk and allow to soak for 25-30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Mix well.

4. Once the dates have soaked, add them to a blender or food processor along with the soaking milk and process to a smooth paste.

5. Add the tahini, vanilla paste, and warm coconut oil to the date paste and pulse until combined.

6. Add the date paste mixture to the dry ingredients, along with the chopped walnuts and mix until combined.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

8. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares.

   
   

   Enjoy!