sweets Greek traditional regional Sifnos pumpkin cake autumn baking

Loli from Sifnos

Name: Loli from Sifnos
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 500 g pumpkin, peeled and deseeded (350 g grated + 150 g finely cubed); 230 g self-raising flour; 100 g light brown sugar; 100 ml olive oil; 80 ml fresh orange juice; 1 orange, zest only; 100 g raisins; 60 g walnuts, roughly chopped; 20 ml brandy or cognac; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp salt; 25 g sesame seeds, for the top

A traditional sweet pumpkin pie from Sifnos, with orange, raisins, walnuts and a sesame crust. Episode 8 of exploring Greece through its regional recipes.

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Method

1
Mix the olive oil and sugar in a bowl. Add the orange juice, zest and brandy.
2
Stir in the cinnamon, cloves, salt, raisins and walnuts.
3
Add the flour and mix until combined.
4
Fold in the grated and cubed pumpkin until evenly distributed.
5
Lightly oil a 22 cm round tin.
6
Transfer the mixture to the tin, level the surface and sprinkle generously with sesame.
7
Bake at 175°C (conventional oven) for about 45–50 minutes, until golden and a knife inserted in the centre comes out without wet batter.
8
Allow to cool before slicing.