Turkish Spice Candied Pumpkin Recipes

CANDIED PUMPKIN SLICES

Steps:

• Cut the pumpkin into wedges about 3 to 4 inches wide. Cut across wedges to form slices about 1/4 inch wide; set aside.
• Combine 2 cups sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a medium bowl. Add pumpkin pieces; stir until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate overnight.
• Transfer mixture to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until pumpkin is translucent and sugar has formed a light-amber-colored caramel, 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Remove pumpkin from caramel with a slotted spoon, and dry on a rack set over a cookie sheet for at least 12 hours, turning the pumpkin pieces once or twice.

TURKISH SPICE-CANDIED PUMPKIN

Steps:

• Place the pumpkin cubes into a large, shallow container and evenly sprinkle the sugars, salt and spices evenly over the top. Cover and let sit in the fridge for 3 days, stirring each day.
• Pour the mixture into a large, heavy pot and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, about 1 ½ - 2 hours, until the pumpkin is tender and the syrup is thick.
• Let the mixture cool in the pan 30 minutes, then spoon into clean jars and store in the refrigerator up to 3 months.

CANDIED PUMPKIN SPICE PECANS

Steps:

• In a large heavy non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar. Cook until mixture turns an amber color, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally (mixture will separate)., Stir in pie spice and vanilla; add pecans. Reduce heat; cook and stir 3-4 minutes longer or until pecans are toasted. Spread onto foil to cool. Store in an airtight container.

CANDIED PUMPKIN WITH TAHINI AND DATE SYRUP (KABAK TATLıSı)

Steps:

• Place the pumpkin or squash in a roasting dish and sprinkle with the sugar. Toss to ensure the pumpkin or squash is evenly coated, then let it rest for 30 minutes; after this time you should see that the sugar has begun to melt. Spoon this syrup back over the pumpkin or squash, then cover the dish with foil and let it rest on the work surface for at least 12 hours.
• By the next day, the sugar should have completely dissolved and the pumpkin or squash will have released its juices.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Take off the foil and transfer the dish to the oven to bake for 1 hour, spooning the juices back over the pumpkin every 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in its dish.
• To serve, place a pumpkin slice on a serving plate, drizzle with a couple of tablespoons of tahini and 1 tablespoon date syrup, and finish with a smattering of crushed walnuts.