Tulumba. The name alone evokes images of golden, crispy delights, drenched in sweet syrup and sprinkled with fragrant nuts. This Turkish dessert, a beloved treat across the Mediterranean and Middle East, is surprisingly easy to make at home. Forget store-bought imitations; with our step-by-step guide, you’ll be impressing your family and friends with homemade tulumba that’s even better than anything you’ll find at a bakery.
What is Tulumba?
Tulumba is a deep-fried dessert made from a simple dough of flour, semolina, and butter. The dough is piped through a star-shaped nozzle, creating its signature ridged shape, and then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Once fried, the hot tulumba is immediately soaked in a cold sugar syrup flavored with lemon and often infused with fragrant spices like cloves or cinnamon. The result? A delightful contrast of textures and flavors: crunchy on the outside, soft and syrupy on the inside, with a sweet, citrusy aroma that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tulumba Dough:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60g) semolina flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
For the Sugar Syrup:
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped walnuts or pistachios
- Ground cinnamon
Tools of the Trade:
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle
- Deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Serving platter
