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Semolina-based, syrup-soaked traditional dessert
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
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.
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.
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%
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
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Low
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.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 290 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
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.
Contains these allergens:
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
SATURATED
2.2g
MONOUNSATURATED
2.3g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.1g
Omega 6:3 ratio 60:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (60:1).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.