Acuka
A dark red, hot Turkish meze made by combining red pepper paste, walnuts, red pepper flakes, and spices. Usually enriched with garlic and pomegranate molasses, and spread on bread.
What Is Acuka?
Acuka is a spicy meze of Turkish cuisine made by combining red pepper paste, pounded walnuts, red pepper flakes, garlic, and spices. It is especially common in the southeastern Anatolian and Mediterranean regions.
It has a dark red color and a thick, paste-like texture; it closely resembles muhammara, though it is generally spicier and is a Turkish take with a pomegranate molasses level that varies by recipe.
Nutritional Values of Acuka
100 grams of acuka contains approximately 310 kcal of energy; it carries fat from walnuts and olive oil. Values vary by recipe and are approximate.
How Should Acuka Be Consumed?
Acuka is consumed in moderate amounts as a meze/sauce, as part of a balanced diet.
This information is general; acuka is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. People with nut allergies and low spice tolerance are advised to consume it in moderation.
How to Choose Acuka?
A good acuka has a dark red color, a distinct pepper-walnut smell, and a high real pepper paste-to-walnut ratio in the ingredient list.
- The color should be dark red
- The smell should be distinctly pepper-walnut, not stale-moldy
- The ingredient list should show a high real pepper paste and walnut ratio
How Is Acuka Stored?
Acuka can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a few days; adding a thin layer of olive oil on top reduces air contact and extends its freshness.
Using Acuka in the Kitchen
Acuka is used most often spread on bread at breakfast, as part of a meze spread, and to flavor some regional soups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are acuka and muhammara the same thing?
They are close relatives; both are based on red pepper and walnut, but acuka is a Turkish cuisine's own take and is usually spicier, while muhammara originates from Aleppo and has a more pronounced pomegranate molasses flavor.
How is acuka made at home?
Red pepper paste, pounded walnuts, red pepper flakes, garlic, and optionally pomegranate molasses are mixed and brought to consistency with olive oil.
Is acuka found throughout Turkey?
It is especially common in southeastern Anatolian and Mediterranean cuisine; it can also be found in regional product sections in large cities.