Beverages > Turkey

Ayva Şerbeti (Quince Syrup) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 large quinces, peeled and diced
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon, juiced

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Fine mesh strainer
- Glass bottles or jars with lids

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the diced quinces, water, sugar, and cinnamon stick.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 1 hour, or until the quinces are very soft and the liquid has thickened slightly.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.
5. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture into a clean pot or bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and let the syrup cool completely.
7. Transfer the syrup to glass bottles or jars with lids and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Boil over high heat, simmer over low heat
Serving size:
- Makes about 4 cups of syrup

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 140 per 2 tablespoons
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fiber: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Quinces can be substituted with apples or pears.
- Cinnamon stick can be substituted with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Variations:
- Add a few sprigs of fresh mint or thyme to the syrup for added flavor.
- Use the syrup as a topping for ice cream or pancakes.
- Mix the syrup with sparkling water or soda for a refreshing drink.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers to prevent the sugar from burning.
- The syrup will thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems thin while it's still hot.
- If you don't have a fine mesh strainer, you can use cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain the mixture.

Storage instructions:
- Store the syrup in glass bottles or jars with lids in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Reheating instructions:
- The syrup can be reheated gently in a pot over low heat or in the microwave.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the syrup in a small pitcher or bottle with a ladle or spoon for guests to pour over their desserts or drinks.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with a slice of quince or lemon for a pop of color.

Pairings:
- Serve the syrup with cheese or crackers for a sweet and savory snack.
- Use the syrup as a glaze for roasted meats or vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the syrup with a cheese plate or fruit platter.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the syrup is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
- If the syrup is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it further.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to use clean, sterilized bottles or jars to store the syrup.
- Discard any syrup that appears moldy or has an off smell.

Food history:
- Ayva Şerbeti is a traditional Turkish syrup made from quinces, which are native to the region.

Flavor profiles:
- Ayva Şerbeti has a sweet, fruity flavor with hints of cinnamon and lemon.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the syrup over ice cream, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet breakfast or dessert.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Turkish

Taste: Sweet, Tart, Fruity, Floral