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Kabak Tatlisi Turkish dessert with walnuts

Authentic Turkish Kabak Tatlisi (Caramelized Pumpkin Dessert)

A classic Turkish dessert made from sweet pumpkin slowly cooked with sugar until glossy and caramelized. Served with walnuts, tahini, or cream simple, healthy, and perfect for fall and winter.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 9 hours
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dessert, Sweet Dish, Turkish Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Ottoman Cuisine, Turkish
Calories: 190
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg sweet pumpkin
  • 350 g sugar adjust based on pumpkin sweetness
  • Cinnamon or vanilla - optional
  • Chopped walnuts - for serving
  • Tahini or cream - optional

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin
  2. Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut it into large, thick slices so they keep their shape during cooking.
  3. Step 2: Macerate with Sugar
  4. Layer the pumpkin pieces in a pot. Sprinkle sugar on top, cover, and let sit for 8 hours until the pumpkin releases its natural juice.
  5. Step 3: Start Cooking
  6. Place the pot over low heat and let the pumpkin cook gently in its own syrup for about 20 minutes. Do not add water.
  7. Step 4: Caramelize
  8. When the liquid reduces, increase the heat slightly until the syrup thickens and becomes shiny. Avoid stirring too much.
  9. Step 5: Serve
  10. Place the pumpkin on a plate and drizzle syrup over it. Garnish with walnuts, tahini, pistachios, ice cream, or cream.