Description

Gheysava is a unique and flavorful dish combining caramelized Medjool dates, walnuts, and warm spices with gently cooked eggs. This sweet and savory recipe is elevated with cinnamon, toasted sesame seeds, and an optional floral touch from dried Damask rose buds. Served warm with flatbread, Gheysava offers a delightful combination of texture and aroma in every bite, making it a perfect gourmet breakfast or brunch option.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup Large meaty dates (Medjool), pitted and chopped
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free option)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon dried Damask rose buds (or petals) (optional)
2 pieces warmed flatbread (lavash or sangak)

Additional Liquids

1½ cups water (for soaking dates)

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Instructions

Soften the dates: Boil 1½ cups of water and soak the Medjool dates carefully for about 5 minutes until they soften. Remove the skins and chop the dates into bite-sized pieces.
Caramelize dates and walnuts: Heat an 8-inch pan over medium heat and melt the butter or warm olive oil. Add the chopped dates and walnuts. Cook for around 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture becomes caramelized and fragrant.
Season and arrange: Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the caramelized mixture. Arrange the dates cut-side down in a circular pattern in the pan.
Add eggs: Crack the eggs gently into the center of the dates circle. Season the eggs with salt and black pepper according to taste.
Cook the eggs: Cook the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks remain to your preference, which typically takes about 2 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top. Optionally garnish with dried Damask rose buds or petals for a floral accent. Serve the Gheysava warm alongside the warmed flatbread.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil.
Adjust egg cooking time to achieve firmer or runnier yolks as desired.
Dried Damask rose buds add a delicate floral flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
Medjool dates are preferred due to their meatiness and sweetness, but other large dates can be used.
Toast your own sesame seeds for enhanced flavor if possible.