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Talkhan (Afghan walnut paste): recipe illustration
Snacks & baking

Talkhan (Afghan walnut paste)

Talkhan is a sweet, creamy paste made from crushed walnuts, sugar and cardamom, sometimes with a little toasted flour. Traditionally served in small portions with tea, it is also enjoyed spread on bread.

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Ingredients

Ingredients

Spices & seasoning

Optional extras

On the side

Nutrition facts

583 kcal per serving

Protein
9 g
Carbohydrates
32.7 g
of which sugars
26.9 g
Fat
45.2 g
of which saturated fat
6.1 g
Fiber
4.4 g

Ecomely’s estimate, calculated from the ingredients with the ANSES Ciqual food composition table, excluding sides and seasoning added to taste.

Instructions

  1. Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring, until they smell nutty, then let them cool.
  2. Blend the cooled walnuts with the cardamom and pinch of salt until you have a fine powder, not a paste.
  3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, add the flour and stir for 2 minutes without letting it color.
  4. Gradually pour in the water while whisking to get a smooth cream, then add the sugar and let it dissolve.
  5. Stir in the walnut powder and orange blossom water, then cook gently for 5 minutes until you have a soft, glossy paste.
  6. Remove from the heat, pour into a small dish and let it cool slightly.
  7. Smooth the surface, decorate with crushed pistachios if using, then let cool completely before serving.

Variations and tips

Almond version. Replace the walnuts with the same amount of shelled almonds, toasted and blended the same way.

Served at breakfast. Spread talkhan on fresh bread or flatbread, with hot tea for a traditional breakfast.

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Original Ecomely recipe.