Gheysava (Eggs With Dates and Cinnamon)

Published April 17, 2025

Gheysava (Eggs With Dates and Cinnamon)
Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Monica Pierini.
Total Time
15 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rating
5(95)
Comments
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A sweet and savory combination of rich dates and eggs, gheysava is an energizing breakfast dish popular in Tabriz, the capital of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province. The dates are first soaked in hot water to soften, and then cooked in butter alongside walnuts until caramelized and luscious. Some variations cook the dates down until smooth and creamy and the eggs are then scrambled in, but here the dates retain their form and the eggs are simply cracked right into the pan. Juicy, meaty dates such as medjool dates are best here. Gheysava warms you from within and fills you with vitality and strength to take on the day. Serve with bread and a hot cup of tea.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 servings
  • 2dried, food-safe Damask rose buds, or about 10 petals, for serving (optional; see Tip)
  • 4large meaty dates, such as medjool 
  • 1tablespoon butter
  • 2tablespoons chopped walnuts 
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling
  • 2large eggs
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Warmed flatbread, such as lavash or sangak, or toast, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

1039 calories; 20 grams fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 5 grams polyunsaturated fat; 74 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 40 grams sugars; 13 grams protein; 2113 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a kettle or small saucepan, bring 1½ cups water to a boil.

  2. Step 2

    If using dried rose, pick the petals off the buds. Place the rose petals on a cutting board and chop as finely as possible; set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Place the dates in a medium bowl. Pour the boiling water over the dates and soak until softened and the skins look like they’re slipping off, about 5 minutes. Using a spoon, transfer the dates to a small plate or board. Slip off the skins and slice each date in half lengthwise, discarding the pits.

  4. Step 4

    In a medium (8-inch) pan, melt the butter over medium. Adjust heat to medium-low, add the dates and walnuts, and cook, stirring frequently, until the dates soften more and begin to caramelize around the edges, about 5 minutes. Everything should smell nutty and caramel-like.

  5. Step 5

    Sprinkle with the cinnamon and stir. Arrange the dates, cut-side down, in a circle around the edges of the pan. Crack the eggs in the middle, season with salt and pepper and cook until the whites set and the yolk is to your liking, about 2 minutes.

  6. Step 6

    Sprinkle with the sesame seeds, chopped rose petals (if using) and a little extra cinnamon. Serve with flatbread or toast.

Tip
  • Dried edible Damask rose buds or petals, available in Middle Eastern markets and online, are used in various Iranian dishes as a fragrant and savory spice. They’re worth seeking out, grinding to a powder (whole petals are pretty as a garnish but tough to chew) and adding to your spice cabinet.

Ratings

5 out of 5
95 user ratings
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Comments

What are the odds that I saw a recipe so similar to this from a cookbook (Hot Date!) borrowed last week from the public library? I saw it and thought…dates and eggs???? But then this published today. We had all the things, so then I knew I had to try it. Super simple and quick to make. It tasted like a super-roasty and dark French toast. We subbed a dash of rose water for the actual petals and added a dollop of Greek yogurt for brightness. This would be great any time of day.

This is the best breakfast I ever made! Delicious! 10/10! I added mint and sumac! Cut up a rose petal too! Thanks!

This recipe totally works ! Love the Persian vibe: scent, flavours, textures - they all meld beautifully ! Served with cinnamon toast because why not? Next time I do this I’ll make my own flat bread :)

Delicious! A few diversions from the recipe here - didn't have medjool, so I used TJ's dried and pitted Deglet Noor dates. Peeled them, though I question the necessity of that. Didn't have walnuts, so I used pecans. Didn't have a dried rose, so I used a splash of rosewater in the pan just before adding eggs. The sophistication of textures and flavors belies how easy this is to make.

I went out before breakfast and collected pink petals from the wild Nootka rose invading my back garden. Oh my gosh, what a delicious treat! Wish I could post photos!

Are dried, packaged dates soaked in the boiling water?

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