Give the versatile apricot an exotic twist with this recipe for Turkish-style stuffed apricots featuring the tart fruit paired with sweet honey, aromatic spices and crunchy pistachios.

Though we often enjoy them dried, apricots belong to the rose family, making them cousins to peaches and plums. Fresh apricots contain only 35 calories each and are rich in antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin C. Combining these nutritious gems with Greek yogurt, which provides almost twice the protein of regular yogurt due to straining out the whey, makes for a luscious dessert that doesn’t sacrifice health.

Toasted shelled pistachios add satisfying crunch and heart-healthy fats to balance the tangy yogurt. In just 15 easy minutes, you can deliver this bright, beautiful and better-for-you fruit dessert.

Ingredients

6 oz. dried apricots ≈ 24 dried apricots

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 2% plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup shelled pistachios or almonds, finely chopped

Directions

1. Add apricots to the boiling water, reduce heat to a simmer and leave for 30 minutes.

2. Add the sugar to the pot and stir to dissolve and water thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and carefully drain the apricots.

3. In each apricot, add 1tsp. of yogurt in the split or opening and press the stuffed yogurt end in the chopped pistachio or almonds.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 2 Stuffed Apricots

Calories: 80

This recipe was created in partnership with CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center and adapted from www.carolinescooking.com.

Do you want to learn to cook healthier for yourself and your family? CU Medicine readers can receive $2 off CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center Fresh Take Cooking Classes held virtually on Zoom. Use the code CU_MED to receive $2 off these classes. Learn more about community nutrition services. 

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