Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   8       oz           Pitted medjool dates
     1/4   ts           Red chili powder
     1/2   ts           Salt
     1/4   ts           Cumin powder
   3       c            Water
     1/2   ts           Tamarind paste

Preparation:

This recipe calls for tamarind paste, a sweet-and-sour flavoring made from the beanlike tamarind fruit. If you can't find tamarind paste, add 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup vinegar to dates during cooking. Place dates in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Cook until soft and tender, about 25 minutes. Or cook dates for 15 minutes in a pressure cooker. Set cooked dates aside to cool. Puree dates in small batches in a food processor or blender, adding a little water as needed to make a smooth paste. Melt tamarind and spices to pureed dates. Stir well. Add more water as needed to make a thick sauc