Traditional Turkish pumpkin dessert kabak tatlısı takes autumn by storm

Autumn is the time of year when pumpkin reigns supreme on our tables. It works wonderfully in both savoury dishes and sweet pastries. And how about an original Turkish pumpkin dessert? Kabak tatlısı, as it is known, is a simple recipe that will delight any sweet tooth.

The pumpkin season is in full swing, and with it, the popularity of various dishes made from this delicious, orange vegetable. In Canadian kitchens, pumpkin most often appears in soups, purees, or fries, but not everyone knows that you can also make a unique dessert from it. One of the simplest and at the same time most delicious recipes is the traditional Turkish pumpkin dessert – Kabak Tatlısı. It's an extremely simple recipe that will please both those who love sweets and those looking for new culinary inspirations. You only need four ingredients to create something truly exceptional. The Turkish-style pumpkin dessert is a must-try during the autumn season.

Kabak tatlısı is not only a delicious dessert but also an excellent way to use seasonal fruits. Thanks to its simplicity and unique flavour, it is sure to appeal to both adults and children.

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram pumpkin,
• 1 cup of sugar,
• a handful of walnuts,
• shredded coconut.

Preparation:

1. First, peel the pumpkin and remove the seeds. Then, cut the flesh into larger pieces, preferably into cubes about 2.5–3.8 cm in size.
2. Put the pumpkin pieces into a pot and evenly sprinkle them with a cup of sugar. Cover the pot and leave it overnight. This way, the pumpkin will absorb the sugar, giving it the right sweetness and tenderness during cooking.
3. The next day, cook the pumpkin on low heat for about 30–40 minutes, until the flesh becomes soft, and the sugar forms a thick, sweet syrup.
4. After cooking, transfer the pumpkin to bowls or cups and garnish the dessert with chopped walnuts and shredded coconut.

Kabak Tatlısı is an exceptionally simple yet incredibly tasty dessert made from pumpkin that can successfully make its way onto Canadian tables. With just four ingredients that everyone has at home, you can prepare a real Turkish treat that will delight both household members and guests.