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Kabak Tatlisi

Tender candied pumpkin slow simmered in its own rich syrup and finished with nutty tahini and walnuts.

60 minEasyServes 4280 cal/serving

TurkishDessertStovetopVegetarianVeganMediterraneanHalal-friendlyKosher-styleGluten-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs butternut squash or pumpkin, cubed
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 2 tbsp tahini

Instructions

  1. 1

    Arrange 2 lbs cubed butternut squash or pumpkin in a wide pot and sprinkle 1.5 cups granulated sugar evenly over top.

  2. 2

    Cover and let sit at room temperature for at least 3 hours or overnight until juices release.

  3. 3

    Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then lower heat and cook covered for 30 minutes.

  4. 4

    Uncover and simmer for another 15 minutes until tender and syrup thickens.

  5. 5

    Cool completely, then drizzle with 2 tbsp tahini and sprinkle with 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.

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Questions

What is Kabak Tatlisi?

Tender candied pumpkin slow simmered in its own rich syrup and finished with nutty tahini and walnuts. This reference files it under Turkish dessert: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 60 minutes start to finish.

How long does Kabak Tatlisi take?

As written, 60 minutes: 15 of prep and 45 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 2, overnight, or about 8 hours. That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

What should Kabak Tatlisi look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 4: cook until tender and syrup thickens.

Is there a substitute for tahini in Kabak Tatlisi?

The entry for Kabak Tatlisi calls for 2 tbsp tahini. In its place: Unsweetened sunflower seed butter or cashew butter is the closest. Smooth natural peanut butter works where its flavor will not fight the dish.

Does Kabak Tatlisi contain tree nuts?

Yes: 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped. The full allergen list for this entry is tree nuts and sesame. Where the nuts are a garnish or a texture, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds stand in. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Which part of Kabak Tatlisi can be done ahead?

Everything up to step 2. Step 2 is a built-in pause of overnight, or about 8 hours: "Cover and let sit at room temperature for at least 3 hours or overnight until juices release." Do everything up to that point ahead of time and pick up at step 3 when you are ready to finish.

Serve it with

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