Orange Peel Spoon Sweet Glyko Portokalaki

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Delight in the sweet and aromatic tradition of Greek cuisine with this Orange Peel Spoon Sweet, or Glyko Portokalaki, a preserved delicacy that transforms humble orange peels into an elegant treat. This recipe combines the zesty freshness of organic oranges with a fragrant vanilla-infused syrup, balanced by a hint of lemon juice and optional warming cloves. Artfully rolled into spirals, the peels are blanched to perfection and simmered until they achieve a translucent, candied finish. Ideal for special gatherings or as a thoughtful edible gift, this spoon sweet is a classic accompaniment to Greek coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of water. With its rich heritage and vibrant citrus flavors, Glyko Portokalaki brings a touch of Mediterranean hospitality to your table.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 min
• Cook Time: N/A
• Total Time: 30 min
• Servings: 20 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

6 items

• 6 pieces Oranges (preferably organic)
• 600 grams Granulated sugar
• 500 milliliters Water
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 6 pieces Cloves (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

📝 Instructions

11 steps

1. Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax. If possible, use a vegetable brush to ensure they are clean.

2. Carefully peel the oranges in large strips, avoiding taking too much of the white pith. However, some pith is fine as it helps the peels hold their shape.

3. Roll each peel into a tight spiral and secure it with a toothpick or tie in a knot, depending on your decorative preference. These shapes will look beautiful in the final presentation.

4. Place the rolled peels in a saucepan, cover them with water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let them boil for 5 minutes to remove bitterness.

5. Drain the water and repeat the boiling process two more times. This step further removes any lingering bitterness while keeping the peels tender.

6. In the same saucepan, combine 500 milliliters of fresh water and the sugar. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely, creating a syrup.

7. Add the blanched orange peels to the syrup along with the cloves (if using). Simmer over low heat for 45-50 minutes until the peels become translucent and the syrup thickens.

8. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The lemon juice helps to prevent the syrup from crystallizing while enhancing the flavor.

9. Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sweet to cool completely. Remove the toothpicks or string from the peels, if applicable.

10. Transfer the spoon sweet, along with the syrup, into sterilized glass jars. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate. It will keep for several months.

11. Serve a small portion of Glyko Portokalaki with a chilled glass of water or alongside coffee or tea as a traditional Greek gesture of hospitality.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (96.2g)

Calories		138
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		0.1 g	0%
	Saturated Fat	0.0 g	0%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		0 mg	0%
Sodium		1 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate		34.4 g	13%
	Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
	Total Sugars	33.5 g
Protein		0.4 g	1%
Vitamin D		0.0 mcg	0%
Calcium		18 mg	1%
Iron		0.1 mg	1%
Potassium		68 mg	1%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 11 cal (0.4%%)

Protein: 28 cal (1.0%%)

Carbs: 2756 cal (98.6%%)