Mustafa’s Iraqi Turshana Dried Fruit Compote

dried apricots

🥗Healthier: fresh apricots

💰Cheaper: canned apricots

Fresh apricots reduce sugar content and canned are more affordable.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness while brown sugar is often less expensive.

walnuts

🥗Healthier: pecans

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Pecans are healthier fats; sunflower seeds are budget-friendly.

orange juice

🥗Healthier: fresh orange zest

💰Cheaper: store-bought orange juice

Fresh zest enhances flavor without added sugars.

Add a generous spoonful of vegetable ghee to a pot and melt it.

Add dried apricots and prunes to the pot, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

Once the fruits are soft and golden, add boiled water to fill the pot halfway.

Slowly sprinkle in sugar while stirring the mixture.

Add a pinch of cardamom and reserve the rest for later.

Simmer the mixture on low heat for 15 minutes until it thickens and absorbs the flavors.

Cook rice with vegetable ghee, then add egg noodles and stir until golden brown.

Add washed rice on top of the noodles, followed by water (2 cups for every cup of rice).

Serve the dish garnished with roasted almonds and a pinch of cardamom.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens