A Light Dessert of Thin Phyllo
Çarşamba Kıvratması is a traditional dessert unique to Çarşamba, the district of Samsun best known for rice farming, made by twisting and shaping thin sheets of dough by hand. Its name comes from the Turkish word "kıvırmak", meaning to twist or curl, referring to how the dough is shaped before baking.
How It's Made
Paper-thin phyllo sheets are filled with a mixture containing walnuts or hazelnuts, then twisted between the fingers into small pieces and baked in the oven. Unlike many other Turkish pastry desserts, it is not soaked in heavy syrup, which makes Çarşamba Kıvratması notably lighter and less sweet. The roasted aroma of walnuts or hazelnuts defines its true character.
Its Regional Value
Served in Çarşamba especially on special occasions and when hosting guests, kıvratma is also produced daily in the district's bakeries and pastry shops. Requiring delicate handwork, it is usually prepared by experienced craftspeople and stands out as one of Samsun's lesser-known yet distinctly flavourful regional desserts.
Çarşamba Kıvratması at Home
Ingredients
- Phyllo dough
- Walnuts or hazelnuts
- Butter
- A small amount of sugar
- 1
Thin phyllo sheets are rolled out.
- 2
Chopped walnuts or hazelnuts are sprinkled over the phyllo.
- 3
The phyllo is twisted by hand into small pieces.
- 4
Baked in the oven until lightly golden.