Delicious Cypriot Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

Cyprus is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and, of course, its delicious food. The cuisine of Cyprus is a delightful blend of Greek and Turkish influences, with a unique twist that makes it truly special. If you are looking to satisfy your cravings with some mouthwatering dishes, you have come to the right place. In this post, we will explore some traditional Cypriot recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Cyprus Tashinopita

Tashinopita, traditional Cyprus dessert to impress

Ingredients

Sugar water Syrup:

⅔ cup water (160 ml)

 Brown sugar (125 g)

Dough:

• 3 cups bread flour (380 g)

• Lukewarm water (100 ml)

• ¼ cup sunflower oil (50ml) 

• ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp orange juice (90 ml)

• 2¼ tsp dry yeast (8 g, one packet)

• 1 tbsp granulated white sugar (optional, helps yeast)

• ½ tsp salt

Filling:

• 1 cup tahini (250 g)

• 1 tablespoon Carob syrup

• Light brown sugar (50g)

• Soft dark brown sugar (75g)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

• Syrup

• Simmer water and brown sugar for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.

• Make the dough

• In a small bowl, mix lukewarm water, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Lets it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

• In a large bowl, mix flour, salt and oil. Add yeast mixture. Mix and add orange juice. Knead until smooth and elastic (8–10 min by hand, 5 min in mixer).

• Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1 hr).

• Divide into 6 pieces and roll into balls, cover and let rise for around 20 minutes.

• Prepare filling

• Mix tahini, light brown sugar soft dark brown sugar, carob syrup and cinnamon into a thick paste. (If too stiff, add 1–2 tsp orange juice or warm gently.)

• Shape buns

• Punch down the dough and add 1–2 tbsp of the filling in the middle and fold the dough to lock in the filling.

• Roll each into a rectangle (about 6 × 8 in / 15 × 20 cm). Don't worry if filling seeps out. Flipping the dough to roll out to rectangle shape spreading all that filling.

• Roll into a log, collect all that tahini filling then coil into a snail shape.

• Dip briefly the tashinopita in the syrup and then place on a lined baking tray.

• Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.

• Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.

Makes 6 pie swirls

Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to impress. They are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion.