The Turkish Rose Dessert, or Gul Tatlisi, is a beautiful sweet treat. The roses are simple to make and, since this dish uses sugar syrup, the sweetness can be adjusted to suit your taste. The technique to make the roses is exactly like making Mini Apple Rose Pies (click here) I’ve always enjoyed Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food – both cooking and eating. A perfect treat on Eid. Check out some Eid Recipes on Cukzy.
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 cup semolina (rava)
½ cup yogurt
1 egg
125 gram butter, at room temperature
½ cup canola oil
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
Pinch of red color (optional)
A pinch of salt
For garnish almond, hazelnut or walnut
Sugar Syrup:
3 cups sugar
3 cups cold water
1 tsp lemon juice
Method:
Prepare the syrup first. Mix sugar and water and boil until the sugar is dissolved, approximately for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly. Add the lemon juice and transfer in a bowl to cool. The longer the syrup is boiled, the thicker it will be when cooled.
In another bowl, mix the yogurt, oil, beaten egg, butter, baking powder, and semolina to make a smooth batter. Add the vanilla essence and color. Mix well.
Gradually add the flour – one or two tablespoon at a time. This will help you mix well, avoid lumps, and judge the consistency of the dough. You can use a few drops of cold water if necessary. Knead well to form a soft dough.
Preheat the oven to 350 F or 180 C. Roll out the entire dough using a rolling pin. Flatten it to about 1/8 inch thickness. If the dough is thick, the roses can be raw.
Use circle cutter (even a small bowl will do) to make small circles – about 1 ½-2 inch in diameter. Roll the left out dough again and continue to cut circles.
Take 3 circles. Cover half of one circle with another; cover half of the second circle with third. You will have 3 circles overlapping each other on the edges. Cut the pattern into half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Click here for an image that will help you understand better.
Place one nut on the top in the center. Gently roll the circle pattern to form a rose. If necessary, lightly press the outside edges to seal.
Place roses on a lightly greased baking tray and bake for about 20 minutes. Once its done, pour spoonfuls of cooled sugar syrup on the roses to suit your level of sweetness. Let the roses soak in the syrup for at least half an hour before serving.
