Surumballa with dates
Surumballa is a cold Sudanese drink made from yogurt and dates, similar to sahlab but with the distinctive flavor of dates.
Its name in Sudanese dialect means 'the mixed drink.' It is popular during Ramadan in Sudan and Egypt as a refreshing suhoor drink that delivers energy from dates and coolness from yogurt. At suhoor, the yogurt proteins and date sugars together deliver quick satiety and a natural sweetness.
If the dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes until they soften. Drain them and reserve the water.
In a blender, combine the soaked dates, yogurt, cold water, cardamom, cinnamon, and honey (if using). Blend until completely smooth and silky.
Add the orange blossom water and blend once more. Pour into tall glasses and add ice cubes. Top with the chopped nuts and a pinch of cinnamon.
Serve immediately with date slices on the side. Surumballa stays fresh for two hours in the refrigerator before it loses its brightness.
The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar, while the glycemic load (GL) measures how much a full serving raises it. Together they give the complete picture.
A low value (≤55) means a gradual rise in blood sugar — the most suitable range for diabetes and insulin resistance.
Glycemic load reflects the impact of the full serving. To lower it: take half a serving, or pair the recipe with a source of protein and fiber.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet per FDA food-label reference values — your daily needs may be higher or lower. Values are derived from the recipe's ingredients via the USDA database.
The most common problems when preparing Surumballa with Dates, and how to fix them:
Double the dates and reduce the water. The dates are what give the sweet body.
Double the cardamom and add orange blossom water. Orange blossom gives surumballa its signature scent.
Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before blending. Dry dates need softening.
Use fresh yogurt and chill it right away. Older yogurt has more acidity.
Two hours in a sealed bottle. Stir before drinking because the dates settle at the bottom.
The yogurt separates after thawing.
| Original Ingredient | Tested Substitute | Ratio | Flavor Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajwa dates | Majhoul dates | 1:1 | Different but similar flavor. |
| Yogurt | Coconut yogurt | 1:1 | Plant-based version. |
| Orange blossom water | Rose water | 1:1 | Different but suitable aroma. |
| Ingredient | 2 people | 4 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yogurt | 500 ml | 1000 ml | 1500 ml |
| Dates | 100 g | 200 g | 300 g |
| Water | 200 ml | 400 ml | 600 ml |
| Nuts | 20 g | 40 g | 60 g |
Use yogurt straight from the refrigerator and add ice cubes to keep the drink cold. Ajwa dates are sweeter than Majhoul, so you need less honey.
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