Tulumba is a traditional fried dessert popular across Turkey, the Balkans, and the Middle East. The dessert consists of small ridged pieces of dough that are deep-fried until crisp and then soaked in fragrant sugar syrup.
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Preparation
20 min.
Cooking
15 min.
Тotal
35 min.
Servings
30
Crispy fried Turkish tulumba soaked in sweet lemon syrup. A classic Middle Eastern dessert with a golden crust and juicy interior.
Start by preparing the syrup because it needs to be completely cold before the tulumba pastries are soaked.
Place the sugar, water, and lemon slice in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
It is even better to prepare the syrup the night before so it is fully chilled when the pastries are ready.
To prepare the dough, place all the dough ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until a smooth mixture forms.
Pour a generous amount of oil into a deep frying pan and heat it well.
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small pieces of dough directly into the hot oil and fry them until they turn a beautiful golden color.
Remove the fried tulumba pastries and drain them on paper towels.
Arrange them in a tray in a single layer and pour the cold syrup over them.
Leave the classic Turkish tulumba to soak overnight so they fully absorb the syrup. They can also be stored in the refrigerator while soaking.
The pastry is somewhat similar to churros or choux pastry desserts, but it has its own distinctive texture thanks to ingredients like semolina and yogurt. Once fried, the pastries absorb syrup and become incredibly juicy inside while remaining slightly crisp on the outside.
Tulumba is commonly sold in bakeries and street dessert shops throughout Turkey and Southeastern Europe. It is often enjoyed during celebrations, family gatherings, and festive occasions.
Because of its rich flavor and syrupy sweetness, tulumba is typically served chilled and pairs wonderfully with strong coffee or Turkish tea.
