Shirini
Source: North Dakota Food and Culture: A Taste of World Cuisine North Dakota State University Extension Service
Published by the USDA MyPlate Kitchen library. Read from an archived copy of the source page captured 2025-12-31.
A tasty pumpkin dessert that will delight your dinner companions. Be cautious when making the syrup as it will be extremely hot.
- Makes
- 6 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 winter squash (1 1/4 pounds of butternut, acorn, or pumpkin)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Boil the sugar and water until it forms a thick syrup in a medium saucepan.
- Wash the pumpkin, peel it, remove the seeds, cut into pieces, and cook in the syrup until it is very thick and almost all absorbed.
- Arrange the pumpkin on a plate and decorate with walnuts and cinnamon (optional).
Notes
Shirin means "sweet" in Kurdish. Shirini is a dessert commonly made with milk, dates, cashews, cardamom, and butter. Food Safety Tips: Always wash squash, melons, or gourds even if the rind is not to be used. When cut, dirt and microorganisms on the outside could transfer inside to the flesh. Learn more about: Winter Squash Pumpkins
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