This stunning Turkish Rose Dessert, traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions, combines the rich, buttery texture of pastry with the sweetness of syrup, adorned with nuts for an extra crunch. Shaped like roses, these pastries are not only a visual delight but are also packed with flavors that blend harmoniously—butter, semolina, yogurt, and a hint of vinegar to balance the sweetness.
Why You'll Love This:
Each bite of this dessert offers a unique texture and a deep, satisfying flavor. The combination of crispy edges and a soft, syrup-soaked center makes each rose a delightful treat. The visual appeal of these pastries, shaped like roses, makes them an excellent conversation starter, perfect for special occasions when you want to impress your guests.
Perfect Occasion:
Ideal for celebrations such as Eid, weddings, or any festive gathering where you want to offer something special and traditional that looks as good as it tastes. They are also perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet end to a family meal.
Decoration Tips:
To enhance the appearance and add a touch of elegance, sprinkle finely chopped pistachios over the roses after drizzling them with syrup. The green of the pistachios adds a beautiful contrast to the golden-brown pastry, making the dish even more visually appealing.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 125g butter
- 1 cup semolina
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp vinegar (apple cider vinegar recommended)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla
- 4-5 cups flour
- For the Syrup:
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 slice of lemon
- For the Topping:
- Hazelnuts
- Optional: Pistachios for garnishing
- Prepare the Syrup:
- Combine water, sugar, and a slice of lemon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and let simmer for 15-17 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, semolina, vegetable oil, egg, yogurt, vinegar, baking powder, and vanilla. Gradually add flour, kneading until the dough is soft and non-sticky.
- Shape the Roses:
- Divide the dough in half. Roll out one half between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a round cutter (like a tea cup) to cut circles. Stack five circles, then roll them up from one end to form a log. Cut the log in half across the middle and press down slightly to shape into roses.
- Place each rose on a greased baking tray. Press a hazelnut into the center of each rose.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the pastries until golden brown.
- Finish with Syrup and Serve:
- Allow the baked pastries to cool for 5 minutes, then evenly pour the cooled syrup over them. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped pistachios before serving.
Enjoy this beautiful and flavorful Turkish Rose Dessert, perfect for making any occasion extra special!