Acuka is a very popular spread in the Turkish kitchen and very simple to make.  As I was looking into how I can describe this spread to you all, I was suprised to learn that this is recipe that is known here in the states.  Emeril Lagasse, the famous chef from the Food Network, had prepared an authentic version of this dish way with chicken and walnuts.  This recipe is just the red pepper paste spread or sauce. 

I had not made this in a while and even though the recipe is simple, I e-mailed a good girlfriend of mine who makes the best acuka. Just wanted to make sure I don’t miss any of the key ingredients, thank you Sedef!

Ingredients:
           (you may increase or decrease the amount of the spices used – we all have different state buds

• 1/2 cup of good pepper paste (sweet, mild or hot)
• 1/2 cup of good tomatoe paste
• 1 cup of walnuts (coarsely chopped) & roasted
• 1/4 cup of bread crumbs or a 1/4 cup of fine bulgur cooked
  to cook fine bulgur all you do is add hot water = (1/4 cup bulgur with 1/4 cup of hot boiling water)
• 3-4 garlic heads – minced fine (add more if you like)
• 1/2 a lemons juice
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of pomegranate molasses
• 1 teaspoon of salt (more or less depending on your taste puds)
  
  Spices as follows:
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 2 teaspoon of turkish hot maras biber – crushed red hot pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of crushed mint
• 1/2 teaspoon of all spice
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• pinch of cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Into a mixing bowl, add in the pepper & tomato paste, the bread crumbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil & salt.
2. In a frying pan, heat up and roast the walnuts for a few minutes. This releases their natural oils and give the dish that additional flavor.
3. Once walnuts are roasted, add into your mixture.
4. In the same frying pan, heat up and roast the spices just for a few minutes - again this adds an additional taste to the spread.
5. Add the roasted spices into your dish and mix all the ingredients well.
6. If you need a little bit more salt add a bit more of salt, if you want it a little bit more garlicy add another head of garlic.  The garlic is what makes this dish strong.
7. Spread over toasted bread or pita chips or even crakers.
8. Enjoy!

I had originally intented to show case this recipe with the home made bread “No Knead Bread” I had made, but aunt and my mom had already cut into the bread and were eating away. Next time!

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Tags: ACUKA, Muhammara, salad, TURKISH WALNUT SPREAD, WALNUT SPREAD, Yogurt