Poached Pumpkin with Walnuts

As the air cools and the leaves take on their autumn hues, enormous local pumpkins start to appear in neighbourhood markets all over Turkey. Stall owners will kindly peel and chop their pumpkins into pieces ready for the locals women to take home and create sweet creations with. This simple, easy recipe is such a favourite in Turkey, most households will make this dessert at least once during pumpkin season.

Poached Pumpkin with Walnuts

Balkabak tatlısı

1kg pumpkin, peeled and chopped into slices 2cm thick

3 cups sugar

1L boiling water

2 lrg handfuls walnuts, roughly chopped

1. Grab a large saucepan, and place the pumpkin pieces in the bottom. Sprinkle the sugar liberally over the pumpkin, then pour the boiling water over the top.

2. Bring the mixture to the boil, then cover with a lid. Simmer for 1 – 1 ½ hours until the pumpkin pieces are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Allow to cool.

3. To serve, place one or two pieces in each bowl and sprinkle liberally with walnut pieces.

SERVES 8