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Tahin pekmez

Tahini and grape molasses

Tahin pekmez: the classic Anatolian winter breakfast swirl of tahini and grape molasses

Tahin pekmez is the simplest thing on a Turkish breakfast table and one of the most loved: tahini and dark grape molasses (pekmez) swirled together on a plate and mopped up with bread. In Central Anatolia and the Aegean, where grapes are boiled down each autumn, grandparents swear by it as a warming winter food. Stirred thoroughly, it becomes a thick, glossy spread that tastes of caramel and sesame. Common mistake: using tahini straight from the bottom of the jar; stir it well first or it is stiff and bitter. Chef's tip: add a few drops of lemon juice and keep stirring; the mixture suddenly thickens and lightens like a nut butter.
Total time
5 min
Difficulty
easy
Serves
4
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Ingredients

Serves4

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Method

0/3 done
  1. Step 1: Spoon 6 tbsp tahini into a bowl and pour 4 tbsp grape molasses (pekmez) on top.

  2. Step 2: Add ½ tsp lemon juice and stir briskly for about 1 minute, until the mixture thickens and turns glossy and light brown.

    1 min
  3. Step 3: Spread on a small plate, scatter with 2 tbsp walnuts and serve with fresh bread or toasted simit.

Nutrition per serving

Calories
200 kcal
Protein
4 g
Carbs
18 g
Fat
13 g
Fibre
2 g

Nutrition values are estimates.

K
Recipe by

KrazyBadal

All recipes by this chef →

Good to know

How long does tahin pekmez take?
About 5 minutes in total.
How many people does it serve?
4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
Is it vegan?
Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
What can I use instead of lemon juice?
Lime juice, same amount.

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