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Thick, golden-brown semolina cake cut into neat squares, with a dense, slightly grainy surface and a whole pale nut set in the center of each piece, arranged close together on a plate.

Sambali Dessert Calories

Semolina-based, syrup-soaked traditional dessert

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES

290kcal

GI

75high

POTASSIUM

65mg

FIBER

1.2g

Quick answer

1 piece (medium) of Sambali Dessert (80 g) has 232 calories. That works out to 290 calories per 100 g. It contains 44.8 g of carbs, 3.4 g of protein, 5 g of fat and 1 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 6% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 75 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

What is Sambali Dessert?

Sambali Dessert is a dense semolina cake baked in a tray, soaked with sugar syrup and commonly finished with a nut on each square. It is closely associated with İzmir in western Turkey, where it is also a familiar street and bakery sweet.

The texture is moist and slightly grainy, with a pronounced syrupy sweetness. In Turkey, it is usually served in small squares, often alongside tea; some shops add kaymak for a richer finish. It is mainly a source of carbohydrates, with relatively little protein or fibre. Because it is quite filling and sweet, a modest piece makes a satisfying treat with unsweetened tea or coffee.

Sambali Dessert Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

290

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

56g

· 20% DV

Protein

4.2g

· 8% DV

Fat

6.2g

· 8% DV

Fiber

1.2g

· 4% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 76% · Protein 6% · Fat 18%

Sambali Dessert Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B1

0.07mg · 6% DV

B3

0.6mg · 4% DV

B5

0.2mg · 4% DV

Biotin

1.2µg · 4% DV

Minerals

Iron

1mg · 6% DV

Phosphorus

45mg · 6% DV

Selenium

2.5µg · 5% DV

Magnesium

18mg · 4% DV

How Nutritious Is Sambali Dessert?

Nutrient density

Low

18/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

23/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Sambali Dessert Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

75
High
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

42
High

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Sambali Dessert

To burn the 290 calories in 100 g:

🚶

72min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

30min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

39min

Cycling

🏊

34min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Sambali Dessert Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Sambali Dessert Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes
Dairy yes
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Sambali Dessert Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Sambali Dessert Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.2g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.3g

POLYUNSATURATED

1.1g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 60:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (60:1).

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sambali Dessert

What is Sambali Dessert made of?

Sambali Dessert is a dense Turkish semolina cake soaked in sugar syrup. Traditional versions commonly use semolina, sugar, yogurt, and a raising agent, with peanuts or almonds pressed onto the top before baking.

How do you make Sambali Dessert?

Sambali Dessert is made by pressing a semolina-based batter into a pan, scoring it, and baking it until golden. Pour syrup over the hot cake after baking, then let it absorb the liquid before serving.

Where does Sambali Dessert come from?

Sambali Dessert is strongly associated with İzmir, Turkey, where it is also known as a street sweet. Its name refers to Damascus, but the name alone does not establish a single, certain origin story.

What is the difference between Sambali Dessert and revani?

Sambali Dessert is typically denser and often made without eggs, relying on semolina and yogurt. Revani usually includes eggs and flour, giving it a softer, more cake-like crumb, though both are soaked in syrup.

Should the syrup for Sambali Dessert be hot or cold?

For Sambali Dessert, the syrup is usually cold and poured over the cake while it is hot from the oven. This temperature contrast helps the cake absorb the syrup; allow it to rest before cutting.

Why is my Sambali Dessert hard or dry?

Sambali Dessert can turn hard or dry if it is overbaked, packed too firmly into the pan, or given too little syrup. Bake just until golden and let the hot cake soak up the syrup fully.

What nuts go on Sambali Dessert?

Peanuts are the most familiar topping for Sambali Dessert, while almonds are another common choice. Press the nuts into the scored surface before baking so they stay in place as the cake cooks.

How is Sambali Dessert traditionally served?

Sambali Dessert is served in square or diamond-shaped pieces, often with tahini drizzled over it in İzmir. The nut-topped, syrup-soaked squares are also enjoyed plain, typically alongside Turkish tea.

How should you store Sambali Dessert?

Store Sambali Dessert covered in a cool place, or refrigerate it when the room is warm. Keeping it covered helps prevent the syrup-soaked semolina from drying out; bring chilled pieces closer to room temperature before serving.

Can people with diabetes eat Sambali Dessert?

Sambali Dessert contains sugar syrup and can raise blood glucose, so it may need to be limited or fitted into a meal plan. People with diabetes should follow their clinician’s guidance on portions and timing.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.