Historical Ramadan Candy: Ottoman Paste
For Turks, some habits have become elements that complete Turkish culture. Traditions kept alive during holidays and special days represent unity and solidarity. We will talk about a tradition that has a very important place in cuisine and folk culture. Ottoman paste will be with you on this page with many interesting details.
The history of Ottoman paste arouses curiosity in those who hear it. Let’s examine together how the paste tradition, which has survived from the Ottoman Period to the present day, began. Are you wondering what healing ingredients were used in preparing Ottoman paste?
Here is our article where you can clear up many question marks!
What is Ottoman Paste?
Ottoman paste is a type of sugary mixture prepared for healing purposes during the Ottoman period.
When the ingredients of Ottoman paste are examined, it is seen that there are useful spices and herbs.
Ottoman paste contains flavoring and sweetening ingredients such as cloves, ginger, cinnamon, hibiscus, lemon, mint and orange.
Ottoman paste, prepared by boiling spices in sugar water, is served in different colors on a round tray.
It is the spices and ingredients used that give color to this paste.
Ottoman paste was served on a wooden stick in ancient times. By quickly turning the stick, the paste was wrapped around the wooden stick. This tradition continues today.
There is a reason why it is given on a wooden stick. During the Ottoman period, wooden sticks were preferred to show that it was natural. If color transfers to the wood, it will be obvious that this paste is not natural.
Ottoman paste, which appears at festivals and fairs, is sold on the streets during Ramadan evenings.
One of the details that makes Ottoman paste special is that the seller wears clothes reminiscent of the Ottoman period.
Those who see it feel like it happened in ancient times.
So, how was this paste discovered? Ottoman paste has a story. Rumor has it that Ottoman paste began to spread among the public after the following incident:
“Once upon a time, Yavuz Sultan Selim’s wife Ayşe Hafsa Sultan became ill. In order for Ayşe Hafsa Sultan to recover as soon as possible, an effective medicine is requested from Merkez Efendi, who is considered the head of physicians. Merkez Efendi thinks and prepares a special mixture containing many herbs and spices. This mixture contains healing spices such as cardamom, cloves, anise, black pepper, turmeric, senna and cinnamon. The given mixture heals Hafsa Sultan in a short time. Yavuz Sultan Selim, who likes the effect of the medicine, wants this mixture to be distributed to the whole public. This mixture, which is offered to the public, has now become a tradition and is consumed frequently, especially during holidays and Ramadan days.”
How to Make Ottoman Paste?
Ottoman paste is a multi-ingredient mixture. If you want to make it at home, you can try the recipe we will give you. Prepare the ingredients to prepare the Ottoman paste that makes patients stand up.
Materials:
3 cups granulated sugar
Freshly squeezed juice of 1.5 lemons
Half a tea glass of water
Orange peel and juice
A few drops of peppermint oil
small amount of cinnamon
small amount of ginger
Small amount of powdered cloves
Small amount of dried hibiscus
red fruit puree
Preparation of:
To make Ottoman paste, sugar, water and lemon juice are heated in a pot. You should make sure it is on low heat.
Add orange juice, grate, peppermint oil and cinnamon into the sugar water that thickens a little.
The thickened mixture is distributed into separate containers.
Now the ingredients required for coloring are added separately.
Red paste is prepared with red fruit puree and hibiscus.
Caramel color paste is prepared with the mixture to which cinnamon is added.
If you wish, you can prepare the paste in the colors you want using food coloring.
For yellow paste, you can add ginger and mix the paste. Ottoman paste types are classified according to their colors.