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Breakfast, Fall, Gluten Free, Recipes, Sweet Stuff, Vegan  /  November 22, 2020

Pumpkin Date Bars with Garam Masala

Pumpkin date bars with a coconut frosting. Made with both your typical pumpkin pie spices and garam masala. Yep, you heard that right.

Pumpkin date bars with a coconut frosting. Made with both your typical pumpkin pie spices and garam masala. Yep, you read that right.

I was listening to an interview with a chef last week (Fresh Air Whyy with Chef Marcus Samuelsson–linked here) and was caught by surprise and intrigue when I learned that he served pumpkin pie made with garam masala at Obama’s 2009 dinner with the Indian prime minister. Now I’m an avid garam masala user and fairly experimental with my food, but this just sounded weird at first impression. I wasn’t about to try this, but then I thought about all the spices in pumpkin pie and how garam masala might compliment them. So obviously I had to try. And boy am I glad I did!

Now garam masala is what you use in Indian gravies and curries to get that oomph factor. To use it in a Western dessert is really something else, but it’s a good kind of something else. Garam masala itself is a kind of spice mix; it’s just usually known to be, well, spicy. And you don’t put spicy in pumpkin date bars. Until you do. And are blown away. And then rush to edit and get these up because you haven’t posted a bake in months and this one is the best way to make a comeback. (Ish…I’m still a savory gal at heart.)

Pumpkin date bars with a coconut frosting. Made with both your typical pumpkin pie spices and garam masala. Yep, you read that right.

Anyways, they’re also pretty wholesome. They’ve got my favorite sweetener (dates!) and loads of other ingredients that make you feel good about eating this for breakfast. Or snack. Or really just any time.

Pumpkin date bars with a coconut frosting. Made with both your typical pumpkin pie spices and garam masala. Yep, you read that right.

The Rundown

1. Soften the dates on the stove for 10 minutes. Then blend it with non-dairy milk.

2. Do the usual: mix wet ingredients together, mix dry ingredients together. Add less garam masala (1 tsp) if you’re still skeptical. Make your own pumpkin pie spice mix if you want to elevate the flavor profile even more.

3. For the frosting, make sure to soak some cashews (in hot water or overnight) and refrigerate coconut milk overnight. Blend it, freeze for at least 30 minutes, and top those bars!

Pumpkin Date Bars with Garam Masala

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or your own mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger)
  • 1.25 tsp garam masala *feel free to adjust to your liking
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 6-8 dates
  • ¼ cup non-dairy milk
  • ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
  • ¼ cup softened (*not melted) coconut oil
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • For the frosting, soak cashews overnight (or in hot water for 30 minutes) and place a can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight (or use coconut cream).
  • Preheat oven to 350. Add dates and 1/2 cup water to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Let it bubble until water evaporates (~ 10 minutes).
  • Meanwhile, combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl: flours, spices, sea salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  • Blend dates with non-dairy milk.
  • Add wet ingredients to a separate bowl: date mixture, pumpkin puree, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.
  • Mix wet and dry ingredients together. Press into an 8×8 pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean AND the top has crisped up a bit.
  • Frost the bars and enjoy!
Pumpkin date bars with a coconut frosting. Made with both your typical pumpkin pie spices and garam masala. Yep, you read that right.

If you like this pumpkin recipe, you might also like:

Pumpkin Cloud Cake Cookies

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Hi there! I’m Anisha. This is where I like to share my favorite plant-forward eats, with joy and flavor being my topmost priorities. When I'm not cooking or photographing my creations, I'm probably running, tuning into a good podcast or book, or doing typical college student stuff. I hope you find something that excites you here!

@upbeetanisha

A few wonderful things I ate at home with my paren A few wonderful things I ate at home with my parents last week!

matar (peas) kachoris with this aloo (potato) sabzi and bhindi (okra)

our fav jackfruit biryani

mushroom matar korma, sarson ka saag (mustard greens), chole, laccha parathas that deserved a close up

makki (corn) ki roti with the same sarson ka saag

dal makhani and a potato scallion sabzi

dessert at this Cambodian place in downtown San Jose (@angkorchef) - jackfruit coconut sticky rice

#indianfood #veganindianfood #homecooking
Good things my window saw lately Soba noodles in Good things my window saw lately

Soba noodles in a shiitake kombu broth that I like to make a lot of and use in different ways for a few days 

Miso mushroom focaccia 

Carrot cake oatmeal for warm winter breakfast 

Chana masala-ish with roasted brussels and cabbage

Khichdi, the ultimate comfort 

My bday cake! Chocolate sweet potato cake from @thekoreanvegan, with orange cream cheese frosting 

Ramen, once again with the broth 

Black bean soyrizo bowl 

Looks like a peanut gochujang stir fry 👍

Rajma rice with baingan (eggplant) bhaja <3

#homecooking #veganfoodshare #plantbasedfood
An epic vegan breakfast sandwich brought to me by An epic vegan breakfast sandwich brought to me by my @toogoodtogo.usa surprise bag at @kitchenmousela! You can use the Too Good To Go app to find restaurants, bakeries, and more near you that offer “surprise bags” of items that may otherwise be wasted at the cost of at least half the price or less. It’s a great way to prevent food waste, get creative with what you get, and try some new spots in your community! I will be revisiting kitchenmouse as well as using the Too Good To Go app to find more gems in my area. Use ANISHA for $5 off your first bag :) #MyTooGoodToGoMoment #ad 

Ok now for the bagel details:
Oyster mushroom ‘bacon’
- 8 oz. oyster mushrooms 
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari 
- 1/2 tbsp maple syrup 
- 1 tsp liquid smoke 
- 1 tsp smoked paprika 

In a pan over medium-high heat, place the oyster mushrooms. Now place a heavy object or another pan on top and apply pressure for a few minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side! Then reduce heat and pour the glaze. 

Silken tofu scramble 
- olive oil 
- 1 350g package silken tofu 
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric 
- 1 tsp kala namak/black salt (I didn’t have it in this video but would recommend for a more “eggy” flavor! If not use regular salt)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper 

Add a little oil to a pan over medium heat. Add the tofu and break it down for a few minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients, combine for a few minutes, and adjust to taste!
A perfect little day spent using my talents (walki A perfect little day spent using my talents (walking around and eating) in Brooklyn

A&A 
@passionfruit.coffee 
@tofubox.brooklyn 

#nyceats #veganfoodshare #nycvegan #brooklyneats #trinifood #plantbasedfood
Butternut tikka mac!! I wanted to make this for Th Butternut tikka mac!! I wanted to make this for Thanksgiving last year but didn’t get a chance to and figured that it would also be great in winter. And it would also be great without the butternut squash if you just want a basic tikka mac. You make a tikka masala sauce and blend that with the squash, cashews, and plenty of nutritional yeast.

butternut tikka mac
1/3 cup cashews, quick soaked
1 butternut squash, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
3 medium roma tomatoes, chopped or quartered (sub 1 cup of crushed tomatoes)
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp kashmiri chili powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
8 oz. rigatoni or another thick pasta shape of choice, prepared al dente

topping
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp kashmiri chili powder

1. Soak cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 400 F. Bake butternut squash for ~ 25-30 min with a touch of olive oil and salt. Until tender and soft. (I ended up baking an entire squash but using half of it in the sauce since it was large.)
3. Add olive oil to a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic. Cook for a few more minutes. Add tomatoes and a big pinch of salt. Allow the tomato juices to mostly evaporate.
4. Add the spices and kasoori methi. and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and allow to cool down slightly before blending.
5. Preheat oven to 350 F.
6. Make the panko topping. Add a tsp or so of olive oil to a small pan. Add the panko, black pepper, nutritional yeast, and chili powder. Toast until the panko is golden-brown. 
7. Process the tomato mixture with cashews, half the butternut squash, nutritional yeast, and about a cup of water. Add more water if needed. Process until it’s thick and creamy.
8. In a baking dish, add the pasta, sauce, and breadcrumbs. Bake for 15 min at 350 F!

#veganrecipes #veganuary #indianfusion #fusionfood #plantbased
Shredded tofu quesadillas coming in HOT for nation Shredded tofu quesadillas coming in HOT for national hot sauce day! These are stuffed with crispy shredded tofu and brussels sprouts, and flavored with @tabanero scotch bonnet hot sauce for a fun Caribbean twist. #tabanero #hotsauce #nationalhotsauceday

the recipe
baked shredded tofu
1 14 oz. block of extra firm tofu (pressed for at least 30 minutes to remove any excess liquid)
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp kosher salt or to taste

Preheat oven to 400 F. Shred tofu with a box grater. Toss with the rest of the ingredients. Bake for 15 minutes. Toss and bake for another 5 minutes or so. It should be golden brown and crisp.

the filling
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
8-10 medium brussels sprouts, thinly sliced (or other greens like cabbage, kale, or collard greens)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3 tbsp @tabanero scotch bonnet hot sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
salt to taste
vegan cheese and avocado for quesadillas

- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for about 5 minutes minutes, until it starts becoming translucent. Add ginger and garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add brussels sprouts and cook until softer, about 5 minutes. Then add the tofu.
- Add all spices: cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combine well for a minute.
- Now add the hot sauce and soy sauce. Combine well, taste, and adjust to your preference if needed!
- To assemble a quesadilla: take a large tortilla and pile on vegan cheese, the filling, and some more hot sauce. Cook on a pan with a little oil for a few minutes on each side until crisp on both sides! 

#veganuary #plantbasedrecipes #veganlunch #tofurecipes
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