Whole Grain Wheat Bread with Dates, Honey and Olive Oil Recipe
Golden whole grain wheat bread forms the perfect canvas for soft Ajwa dates, rich honey, and fragrant olive oil, creating a beautifully balanced snack that's both nourishing and deeply satisfying. The nutty bread complements the caramel sweetness of dates whilst the honey adds luxurious richness. Learn how to make this quick and easy recipe!
Ingredients
- For the bread:
- 3 thick slices whole grain wheat bread (about 150g total, look for bread with visible grains and seeds)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for brushing and drizzling
- For the toppings:
- 9 Ajwa dates, pitted and halved lengthways (3 dates per serving, prized for their spiritual significance and soft, caramel texture)
- 3 tablespoons raw honey, preferably Sidr or wildflower honey for deeper flavour
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for final drizzling
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional, to enhance the sweet flavours)
Directions
Step 1
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or griddle over medium heat for about 2 minutes until properly warmed. Whilst the pan heats, brush both sides of each whole grain bread slice generously with olive oil, making sure you get right to the edges. Don't be shy with the oil here as this creates that beautiful golden crust and prevents the bread from drying out. The oil should glisten on the surface but not pool excessively.
Step 2
Place the bread slices in the heated pan, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which would create steam rather than a proper toast. Toast for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing the bread to develop gorgeous golden-brown char marks and a crispy exterior. You'll know it's ready when you can smell that wonderful nutty, toasted aroma and the edges look crisp and darkened. Use a spatula to carefully flip each slice.
Step 3
Toast the second side for another 1-2 minutes until equally golden and crisp, then transfer the bread to your serving plates whilst still warm. This is crucial as the warmth helps the honey flow beautifully and makes the olive oil more fragrant. If you're working in batches, keep the finished slices warm by covering them loosely with a clean tea towel.
Step 4
Immediately arrange 6 Ajwa date halves (3 whole dates' worth) on each warm bread slice whilst the surface is still hot. Press them gently into the bread so they nestle into the texture and begin to soften slightly from the residual heat. The warmth will enhance their natural caramel flavour and make them even more luscious. Distribute them evenly across the bread for balanced sweetness in every bite.
Step 5
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of raw honey over each slice in a back-and-forth motion, allowing it to cascade over the dates and soak into the bread's nooks and crannies. The honey should flow easily if your bread is still warm, creating beautiful golden rivulets. If your honey is too thick, warm it gently for 10 seconds in the microwave or place the jar in warm water beforehand.
Step 6
Finish each slice with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (about 1 teaspoon per slice), letting it pool slightly around the dates and mix with the honey. This creates a wonderful emulsion of sweet and fruity flavours. If you fancy, add just a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over each slice to enhance all the flavours and create that irresistible sweet-savoury contrast. Serve immediately whilst the bread is still warm and crispy, perfect for a nourishing snack or light breakfast that honours the Prophetic tradition.
Nutrition per serving
Sunnah
Learn simple practices and etiquettes found in the tradition that transform every meal into an act of worship, increase you in beneficial knowledge and add barakah into every bite.
Sacred Guidance
Bread
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had never seen bread made out of fine flour throughout his life, since Allah commissioned him until his death. He was asked, 'Did you not have sieves at the time of the Messenger of Allah?' He replied, 'Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) never saw a sieve.' He was asked, 'How did you manage to eat barley bread made of unsieved flour?' He said, 'We used to ground it and then blew away the husk, and what remained we kneaded into dough.'
Dates
Whoever takes seven 'Ajwa dates in the morning will not be affected by magic or poison on that day.
Olives
And He is the One Who sends down rain from the sky—causing all kinds of plants to grow—producing green stalks from which We bring forth clustered grain. And from palm trees come clusters of dates hanging within reach. There are also gardens of grapevines, olives, and pomegranates, similar in shape but dissimilar in taste. Look at their fruit as it yields and ripens! Indeed, in these are signs for people who believe.
Olive Oil
Eat olive oil, and anoint with it, for it is from a blessed tree!
Honey
A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, 'My brother has some abdominal trouble.' The Prophet ﷺ said to him 'Let him drink honey.' The man came for the second time and the Prophet ﷺ said to him, 'Let him drink honey.' He came for the third time and the Prophet ﷺ said, 'Let him drink honey.' He returned again and said, 'I have done that.' The Prophet ﷺ then said, 'Allah has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey.' So he made him drink honey and he was cured.
Prophetic Etiquette
Sit down to eat, rather than eating while standing or walking.
Eat from what is nearest to you on the plate, and do not reach across for food that is distant.
Take small morsels of food, and chew your food well.
Do not blow on hot food or drinks; allow them to cool naturally.
Do not eat or drink from gold or silver utensils.
Lick your fingers clean before wiping them, as there may be barakah in what remains on them. Then wash your hands.
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