Name: Persian Breakfast Fried Eggs with Dates
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 eggs (yolks and whites separated); 2-3 dates (pitted and chopped); 1 Tbsp oil (or butter); 1/8 tsp cinnamon; salt and pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

This is an image of a classic Persian breakfast dish. This is two over easy fried eggs with chopped up fried dates.

If you are looking for a classic Persian breakfast, fried eggs with dates is a winner. In every bite you will find sweet caramelized dates, creamy egg yolks, and egg whites with a delicious crispy edge. The unexpected combination of sweet and savory flavors coupled with the soft and crispy textures makes fried eggs with dates a great way to start the day.

This image shows a piece of bread being dipped into the egg yolk of the fried egg and dates dish.

The memory of that first time my dad made me fried eggs with dates remains vivid, even after nearly four decades have passed. I remember that I had a big math test that morning, and my dad assured me that these eggs would help me concentrate and help me do well on the exam. As a child who stressed over good grades, I promptly gobbled it up.

I always believed that this dish, also called khormeh maloos, was my dad's creation, but it wasn't until years later that he told me this story of his aunt. When my dad was just 11, he lost his mother, and his aunt, who had no children of her own, took him under her care. One of the ways she nurtured him was through food, and this was one of the dishes that she made him in the mornings before he went off to school.

Decades later, my father still maintained a deep connection between making fried eggs with dates and the act of nurturing his loved ones. And now, I continue this tradition by preparing this simple, yet delicious recipe for my own kids.

Jump to:

Ingredients to Make Fried Eggs with Dates
How to Make Fried Eggs with Dates
Did You Make the Recipe?
Persian Breakfast Fried Eggs with Dates

Ingredients to Make Fried Eggs with Dates

This is an image of the ingredients for fried dates and eggs. The image shows two eggs, three dates, a small bowl with oil, and another small bowl with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.

Eggs
Dates
Oil (avocado, olive, vegetable, or butter)
Cinnamon
Salt and Black Pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Fried Eggs with Dates

Step 1: Remove the pits from the dates and chop into small pieces. Arrange the chopped dates on a cold, small nonstick pan.

TIP: If your dates are very dry, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes to rehydrate and soften them.

This image shows a pan, with chopped up dates arranged in a circle. The text says "arrange dates".

Step 2: Add oil or butter to the cold pan. Then on a gentle heat, fry the dates, being careful not to burn them. The high sugar content in dates makes them susceptible to burning.

This is an image of chopped up dates arranged around a pan, with a hand holding a small bowl with oil in it, and the caption saying "add oil".

Step 3: Separate the egg whites and egg yolks. On medium high heat, slide the egg whites onto the bottom of the pan.

This image shows dates in a frying pan, with a small bowl of egg whites being poured in the center. The text on the image says "add the egg whites",

Step 4: Once the egg white is fully cooked, slide the egg yolks right on top. The yolks will just need 2-3 minutes to be cooked with a runny center.

OPTIONAL: If you prefer the egg yolks cooked all the way through, please cook it longer. You can also place the lid on your frying pan.

This image shows a hand holding a a small bowl with two egg yolks, with the image saying "add the egg yolks".

Step 5: Sprinkle with salt, a little bit of black pepper or chili flakes, and a pinch of cinnamon. That's all there is to this fried eggs with dates recipe! I think that you'll enjoy this unique twist on a sweet omelette.

What type of dates are best for frying?

Any type of date can be used for this fried eggs and dates recipe. The most readily available dates in my area are medjool dates. They are some of the largest dates, with a soft and chewy texture and a caramel like sweetness. However, I always recommend using what is available to you.

Can I make this with egg whites only?

If you are limiting your fat intake, or simply do not like egg yolks, this breakfast recipe can be made with just egg whites. Egg whites are high in protein, low calorie, and a great way to start the day.

Are dates heathy?

Dates are rich in fiber, antioxidants and minerals such as potassium. Their high sugar content provides a quick boost of energy, but moderation is key. Just think of them as nature's candy.

Did You Make the Recipe?

I would love to hear your feedback! Please leave a comment and star rating below. You can also pin my recipe on Pinterest or share your creation on Instagram by tagging me @mulberryblvd. Thank you.