A Special Winter Breakfast: Date Qeysava (Date Omelette)

According to SAEDNEWS, Date Qeysava—also known as date omelette or date khagineh—is a famous and beloved breakfast dish from Tabriz. Made with eggs, dates, a sprinkle of walnuts, and a dash of cinnamon, it’s quick to prepare and can also be enjoyed as a light dinner or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients for Preparing Date Qeisava:

• Dates or fresh dates (Rutab): 12 pieces

• Ground walnuts: 1 tablespoon

• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon

• Eggs: 2

• Sesame seeds: as needed

• Salt: as needed

• Oil or butter: as needed

Steps to Prepare Date Qeysava

Qeysava: A Delicious and Nutritious Tabrizi Breakfast

Qeysava is a hearty and flavorful traditional breakfast from Tabriz, made with simple and easily accessible ingredients. Below is a step-by-step guide to preparing this delightful dish.

Step 1: Cook the Dates

Start by removing the pits from the dates and placing them in a pot. Add 1 cup of water and cook over low heat for about 10–15 minutes until the dates become soft and mushy. If the dates have tough skins, it’s best to peel them for a smoother texture and better presentation.

Step 2: Add Walnuts and Butter

Once the dates are fully softened, add chopped walnuts to the mixture and stir for a few minutes. Then add butter or oil and mix well until the butter melts completely and blends with the dates.

Step 3: Simmer the Mixture

Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer gently. Allow it to cook for about 10–15 minutes. Afterward, remove the lid and stir the mixture again to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Add Final Ingredients

Sprinkle cinnamon powder over the mixture and stir well. Then crack the eggs directly into the pot, add a pinch of salt, and stir until the eggs are fully cooked and incorporated into the dates. Transfer the Qeysava to a serving dish, garnish with sesame seeds and crushed walnuts, and serve with warm, fresh bread. Enjoy this rich and energizing breakfast!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Qeysava

• Enhance the Flavor: For added aroma, include a pinch of cardamom powder or dried rose petal powder along with cinnamon.

• Using Rutab Dates: If you're using soft Rutab dates, there’s no need to peel them.

• Egg Preparation Tip: For a smoother texture, beat the eggs in a separate bowl before adding them to the mixture.

• Simplified Version: Some people prefer a minimalist version of Qeysava with just dates and eggs.

• Seasonal Favorite: This dish is especially popular in autumn and winter for its energizing qualities.

• Use Quality Butter: Opt for local butter or animal fat for a richer, more traditional taste.

• Walnut Texture Matters: Avoid grinding the walnuts into a fine powder. Instead, chop them finely so they retain their texture.

• Salt Is Optional: Adding salt is entirely up to your taste preference.

• Apricot Variation: Replace dates with dried apricots for a unique twist.

• Garnish Creatively: Use toasted chopped walnuts or almonds as a garnish for enhanced flavor and presentation.

• Add Extra Butter: For a richer taste, drizzle melted butter over the finished dish.

• Adjust Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the quantity of dates and eggs to suit your taste.

• Elegant Presentation: Press the finished Qeysava into a mold lined with plastic wrap, then flip it onto a serving plate and garnish creatively.

• Creamier Texture: Mix the eggs with a little milk in a separate bowl before adding them to the dates for a softer, creamier consistency.

Enjoy your homemade Qeysava—a nourishing, flavorful breakfast that's perfect for starting your day on a warm and energizing note!