🇹🇷 Turkey · Dessert

Hoşaf (Dried Fruit Compote)

10 min
Ready in a flash
🔥 180 kcal
Light bite
🍽 6 servings
Feeds a crowd

By eatmundo · July 5, 2026

Hoşaf (Dried Fruit Compote)🇹🇷 TRE4024 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Hoşaf is a refreshing and naturally sweet Turkish dried fruit compote, often served chilled as a light dessert or a cooling accompaniment to savory meals. A delightful blend of rehydrated apricots, figs, plums, and raisins, subtly spiced with cinnamon and cloves, it's a taste of traditional Turkish hospitality.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Rinse 1/2 cup (about 80g) each of dried apricots, dried figs, and dried plums, and 1/4 cup (about 40g) raisins under cold running water to remove any impurities. This also helps them hydrate more evenly. Roughly chop larger dried fruits if desired.

  • 2

    Place the rinsed dried fruits into a medium saucepan. Add 4 cups (1 liter) of cold water, 1/2 to 1 cup (100-200g) granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference), 2 whole cinnamon sticks, and 4-5 whole cloves.

  • 3

    Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes. The fruits should become plump and tender, and the liquid should be infused with the spices.

  • 4

    Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the cinnamon sticks and cloves, as their flavor has been fully extracted. Allow the hoşaf to cool down completely to room temperature before proceeding.

  • 5

    Once at room temperature, transfer the hoşaf to a clean glass pitcher or a large bowl. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best flavor and refreshing experience.

  • 6

    Serve the chilled hoşaf in individual glasses or small bowls. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a fresh mint leaf for an extra touch of aroma and visual appeal. Enjoy this delightful and healthy Turkish compote!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wash or soak the dried fruits before cooking hoşaf?+

Yes, it's important to rinse all dried fruits thoroughly to remove any dust or impurities. A brief 15-minute soak can also help plump them slightly, though it's not strictly necessary for cooking.

How do I know when the Hoşaf is perfectly cooked?+

The compote is ready when the dried fruits are tender but still retain their shape, and the liquid has thickened to a light syrup, typically after simmering for 20-30 minutes.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the hoşaf, and how should I do it?+

Yes, you can easily adjust the sweetness. Add sugar gradually, tasting the compote after the fruits have cooked, and add more to your preference.

What is the best way to serve hoşaf, and how long can it be stored?+

Hoşaf is traditionally served chilled as a refreshing dessert or drink. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

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