The Sweet Secret of Gaziantep: Şirin Tarhana
Are you ready to discover one of the sweetest secrets of Gaziantep cuisine? Its name is “Şirin Tarhana”! But don’t confuse it with the savory tarhana soup you know. This is a delicious and energizing sweet snack. Let’s explore this flavorful adventure together!
What Is Şirin Tarhana?
Şirin Tarhana is a sweet delicacy unique to Gaziantep, resembling pestil. It is made by boiling grape juice or pekmez with very thin sheets of wheat known as “çiğ simit.” After being dried under the sun, it is sliced and ready to be enjoyed as a sweet treat during winter days.
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We should not think of it merely as a dessert. Thanks to its pekmez and wheat content, it is a complete energy reservoir. Like a superhero’s secret power, it gives you energy throughout the day!
A Flavorful Journey: How Is It Made?
Making Şirin Tarhana is a delightful process that requires patience and love. First, the finest grapes are selected and pressed to extract their sweet juice. This rich grape juice is then slowly boiled with wheat in large pots until it transforms into a thick, concentrated mixture.
The mixture is then spread thinly onto trays and left under the sun to dry. Once one side is dry, it is flipped over so the other side can dry as well. Finally, it is cut into pieces like baklava slices and enjoyed with delight. Optional spices such as cinnamon and cloves, which add a fragrant aroma, can also be added.
