A Special Winter Breakfast: Date Qaysava (Date Omelet)

According to Saed News Cooking Service, Qeysava Khorma, also known as date omelette or date khagineh, is a famous and delicious breakfast from Tabriz. It is made with eggs, dates, walnuts, and cinnamon. The recipe is simple and can also be enjoyed as a light dinner or snack.

Ingredients

• 12 dates (or soft fresh dates)

• 1 tablespoon ground walnuts

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 eggs

• Sesame seeds (as needed)

• Salt (as needed)

• Oil or butter (as needed)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the dates

Remove the pits from the dates and place them in a pot. Add 1 cup of water and cook over low heat for about 10–15 minutes until the dates become completely soft.
If using dates with skin, it is better to peel them for a smoother texture and better taste.

Step 2: Add walnuts and butter

Once the dates are soft and mashed, add the chopped walnuts. Stir for a few minutes. Then add butter or oil and mix well until fully melted and combined with the dates.

Step 3: Let it simmer

Reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let the mixture cook gently for 10–15 minutes until it thickens and blends well. Then uncover and stir again.

Step 4: Finish with eggs and spices

Add cinnamon and mix well. Then add the eggs with a little salt. Stir thoroughly and allow the eggs to cook completely.
Finally, transfer the dish to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped walnuts. Serve warm with fresh bread.

Tips and Notes

• You can add cardamom or rose powder along with cinnamon for a richer aroma.

• If using soft fresh dates, peeling is not necessary.

• It is better to beat the eggs separately before adding them to the mixture.

• Some versions are made only with dates and eggs, without nuts or spices.

• Traditionally, this dish is popular in autumn and winter for its high energy value.

• Using local butter or animal fat improves the flavor.

• Walnuts should be chopped, not powdered, to preserve texture.

• Salt is optional.

• You can replace dates with dried apricots for a variation.

• For extra richness, drizzle melted butter on top before serving.

• Adjust the amount of dates and eggs based on personal taste.

• For a nicer presentation, you can shape the mixture in a mold before serving.

• Some variations include mixing eggs with a little milk before adding them to the dates.