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Forkin
Dessert

Tulumba

Tulumba is a classic deep-fried dessert from the former Ottoman Empire, featuring crispy choux pastry soaked in a sweet, fragrant syrup. This recipe delivers a delightful balance of crunchy exterior and juicy interior, perfect for a special treat.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 55 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
579 kcal
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Vegetarian

Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Tulumba

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

syrup

  • 300 ggranulated sugar
  • 250 mlwater
  • 15 mllemon juice

dough

  • 250 mlwater
  • 60 gunsalted butter
  • 10 ggranulated sugar
  • 0.5 tspsalt
  • 150 gall-purpose flour
  • 3 pcsegg, large, room temperature

Ingredients

  • 1,000 mlvegetable oil, for frying

Equipment

slotted spoon · pastry bag · open star tip · deep pot · thermometer · wire rack · baking sheet · wooden spoon · large mixing bowl · medium saucepan

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Prepare the syrup: Combine the granulated sugar and water for the syrup in a medium saucepan.

  2. 2

    Bring the syrup mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

    About 5 min

  3. 3

    Reduce the heat to low, add the lemon juice, and simmer for 10 minutes without stirring.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Do not stir the syrup while it simmers to prevent crystallization.

  4. 4

    Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool completely; it should be cold before use.

    About 45 min

    Cook’s note: You can prepare the syrup in advance and chill it in the refrigerator.

  5. 5

    Prepare the dough: In a separate saucepan, combine the water for the dough, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt.

  6. 6

    Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, ensuring the butter is fully melted.

    About 3 min

  7. 7

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the all-purpose flour all at once.

  8. 8

    Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

    About 2 min

  9. 9

    Return the saucepan to low heat and cook the dough for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to dry it out slightly.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: This step helps create a crispier tulumba.

  10. 10

    Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to release steam.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: The dough should be warm, not hot, before adding eggs.

  11. 11

    Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and glossy.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: The dough will look separated at first, but keep mixing until it comes together.

  12. 12

    Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with an open star tip.

    About 1 min

  13. 13

    Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 170°C (340°F).

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature is consistent.

  14. 14

    Pipe 3-inch long pieces of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting them with scissors or a knife as you pipe.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Do not overcrowd the pot; fry in batches.

  15. 15

    Fry the tulumba until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally, about 5-7 minutes per batch.

    About 7 min

  16. 16

    Remove the fried tulumba from the oil with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to the cold syrup.

    Cook’s note: The contrast in temperature is crucial for proper syrup absorption.

  17. 17

    Let the tulumba soak in the syrup for at least 5 minutes, turning them gently to ensure even coating.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Soak longer for a sweeter, juicier result.

  18. 18

    Remove the tulumba from the syrup and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess syrup.

  19. 19

    Serve tulumba warm or at room temperature.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
578.8kcal
Protein
5.9g
Carbs
71.1g
Fat
31.1g
Fibre
0.7g
Sugar
52g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover tulumba in an airtight container at room temperature.

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