Hosaf: Turkish compote with dried fruit

You have to love hosaf. The sweet and fruity aroma caresses the whole palate and kicks against it with a certain tartness. This is how Turkish compote with dried fruit should taste.

In Turkey, the compote is prepared with a wide variety of dried fruit - there is plenty of it here. It is not easy to choose the right varieties for the compote. Because the choice is huge.

But as with every traditional Turkish dish, every household has its own recipe. We got ours from our mom (in-law). She always prepared a huge pot with several liters of Turkish compote before our visit. We then took two liters home in yoghurt tubs. Since we've been living in Turkey, we've been making our own hosaf.

We use dried apricots and raisins for our hosaf. The hosaf is particularly delicious when it's made with the tart dried black grapes with seeds. Yes, with seeds.

Alternatively, you can add other dried fruit to the compote recipe. We have dried plums at home right now, which is why there is room for them in our pot. However, you can also add fresh fruit such as apples, strawberries or cherries. We often cook our hosaf with apple as well as dried apricots and grapes - it tastes great!

Spices for the hosaf recipe

We only know hosaf with sugar and without spices. In Turkey, however, it is also common to add two cloves or a cinnamon stick. This makes the hosaf even more aromatic.

Hosaf vs. compote: the difference

Hoşaf refers exclusively to a compote with dried fruit. Unlike Western compote, the syrup is not boiled down. Hoşaf is therefore more liquid.

Tip for our hosaf recipe

Hosaf must be enjoyed cold! If you leave the hosaf to infuse in the fridge overnight, it tastes particularly delicious. Because the taste of fresh, hot hosaf and chilled compote with dried fruit are worlds apart. Trust us on this one.

Hosaf: Turkish compote with dried fruit