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Turkish Pumpkin Dessert (Kabak Tatlisi) with Tahini and Walnuts Recipe

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4 from 87 reviews

Kabak Tatlisi is a traditional Turkish pumpkin dessert made by slowly cooking butternut squash with sugar until it caramelizes and becomes tender. It is typically served with a drizzle of tahini, a sprinkle of walnuts, and optionally, a dollop of clotted cream or Turkish kaymak, offering a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and creamy flavors.

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 kilogram butternut squash, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 250 grams granulated sugar

For Serving

  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons clotted cream or Turkish kaymak (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Peel the butternut squash and cut it into large, even chunks to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Layer the Ingredients: In a deep baking dish or pot, arrange the pumpkin pieces in a single layer and sprinkle the sugar evenly over them.
  3. Cook the Pumpkin: Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pumpkin is soft and the sugar has caramelized into a syrupy glaze. Alternatively, this can be cooked slowly on the stovetop over low heat in a covered pan for the same duration, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  4. Cool and Serve: Let the pumpkin cool slightly. Serve each portion topped with a generous drizzle of tahini, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, and a spoonful of clotted cream or kaymak if desired, which adds richness and balances the sweet flavor.

Notes

  • Use butternut squash for its sweet flavor and creamy texture when cooked.
  • The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pumpkin pieces and cooking method.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar quantity accordingly.
  • Clotted cream or kaymak is traditional but optional; you may substitute with heavy cream or omit it.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Turkish
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/turkish-pumpkin-dessert-kabak-tatlisi-with-tahini-and-walnuts-recipe/