TURKISH SWEETS: RHAPSODY OF TASTE
Given that Turkey is a nation that takes serious culinary arts, and especially confectionery, their wide range of sweets has gained an international reputation for excellence. Although some are unique to the country, other recipes are closely related to Western versions because they use the same ingredients. From incredibly sweet to pleasantly subtle taste, these are eight Turkish sweets and desserts that you should definitely try.
Baklava
Made from a simple combination of crispy dough, chopped walnuts soaked in sweet sticky syrup, baklava is ideal as a dessert or a sweet snack. It is sometimes served with ice cream, and the variety of nuts varies from region to region. Gaziantep, the southeastern province is known for the use of pistachios and the production of, as many say, the best Turkish baklava in the country.
Turkish chicken dessert
It was originally served to the Ottoman sultans, and now the dish is recognizable throughout Turkey. It is not prepared often because the way of cooking is intense and long-lasting, sometimes it requires that the boiled chicken breasts be ground into a fine powder. It is also strange that many who try it for the first time cannot feel the chicken at all!
Turkish delight: Lokum
Following baklava as a favorite, national delicacy, lokum holds a strong second place in terms of the love that Turks show for this sweet. Made from starch and sugar, thousands of boxes are sold daily across the country, although the Turks mostly take it out only on special occasions, such as Seker Bajram (Sugar Festival) or to sweeten the dark, earthy taste of Turkish coffee. The original invention of the confectioner Haci Bekir Effendi was sold in various flavors during the Ottoman era.
Dondurma: Turkish ice-cream
Most suitable for the summer period of the year, Turkish dondurme ice cream has a taste that differs significantly from the western versions due to the added ingredients of salep and mastic that give it a gooey texture. The Kahramanmaras region of Turkey has a reputation for producing the best ice cream sold nationwide, and is especially popular with foreigners buying from street vendors in Istanbul. The consistency of the ingredients is very thick, and the use of a knife and fork for this dessert is mandatory.
Kunefe
Turkish kunefe, called “Kanafah” in Egypt, is a strange mixture of soft cheese, chopped dough, sugar and water, sprinkled with chopped walnuts or pistachios on top. Also, it is sometimes served with ice cream or cream. It is a traditional dish from the 10th century, which is served warm while the cheese is still soft.
Sutlijaš in Turkish style
Who does not like to wander when it comes to satisfying the taste, will be pleasantly surprised and delighted with the Turkish version of sutlijas. Rice, milk and sugar when mixed give this magical treat, and as an addition the Turks use only brown sugar or cinnamon. This is a favorite place across the country, you can find it on sale in supermarkets, as well as in most traditional Turkish restaurants.
Tulumba
Another favorite that comes from the kitchens of the Ottoman Empire, is also found in many other countries where the former dynasty ruled, such as ours. Similar to the western “churro” recipe, fried dough soaked in sticky sweet syrup is rarely made at home. Instead, it is popular with street vendors during summer evenings.
Most of these sweets are not unknown to us, but certainly no dessert can turn out as well as with Turkish confectioners – so it is worth trying each of these desserts when you are in Turkey.
