Desserts > Turkish Desserts

Pistachio-Crusted Tulumba Tatlisi Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Special Equipment Needed:
- Deep-fryer or large pot
- Candy thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Small bowl
- Small saucepan

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, yogurt, milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Place the pistachios in a shallow bowl.
6. Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
7. Using a teaspoon, scoop out small pieces of dough and roll into balls.
8. Roll the balls in the chopped pistachios to coat.
9. Carefully drop the balls into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Remove the balls from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.
11. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
12. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
13. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
14. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
15. Dip the fried balls in the honey mixture and place on a serving platter.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving Size: 4-6

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 442
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 8g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Plain yogurt can be substituted with Greek yogurt
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil
- Pistachios can be substituted with almonds or walnuts

Variations:
- The honey mixture can be flavored with orange or lime juice instead of lemon juice
- The dough can be flavored with orange or lemon zest
- The fried balls can be rolled in coconut flakes instead of pistachios

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the dough balls.
- Make sure to fry the balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- The dough balls can be frozen before frying for up to 1 month.

Storage Instructions:
The fried balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Reheating Instructions:
The fried balls can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
The fried balls can be served on a platter with a bowl of the honey mixture for dipping.

Garnishes:
The fried balls can be garnished with chopped pistachios, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey.

Pairings:
The fried balls can be served with a cup of Turkish coffee or tea.

Suggested Side Dishes:
The fried balls can be served with a side of yogurt or a salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more yogurt.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
- Make sure to keep the fried balls refrigerated until ready to serve.

Food History:
Tulumba tatlisi is a traditional Turkish dessert that is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire. It is a fried dough ball that is dipped in a honey syrup and often served with a cup of tea or coffee.

Flavor Profiles:
This dessert has a sweet and nutty flavor from the honey syrup and pistachios. The dough is light and fluffy with a hint of vanilla.

Serving Suggestions:
This dessert can be served as a snack or as a sweet ending to a meal. It can also be served with a scoop of ice cream or topped with whipped cream.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Turkish

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Crunchy, Syrupy