Walnut and Turkish Delight pudding

Walnut and Turkish Delight Pastry – a traditional delight that brings warmth and joy to the holiday table. This recipe, passed down through generations, is my mother's signature dish and is always present on our Christmas table. Additionally, the combination of walnuts and Turkish delight makes this pastry an irresistible and unique dessert.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 250-270 ml warm milk
- 80 ml oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon

For the filling:
- 150 g sour cream
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 100 g ground walnuts
- Colorful Turkish delight, diced
- Powdered sugar for dusting

A brief history of the recipe:

Lichiu is a traditional dessert, cherished in various cultures for its fluffy texture and rich filling. Over time, recipes have evolved, but the combination of walnuts and Turkish delight has remained a favorite due to its intense flavor and enticing aroma. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or as an everyday treat, walnut and Turkish delight pastry is a perfect choice to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones.

Step by step – Preparation:

1. Preparing the yeast: Start by dissolving the dry yeast in 100 ml of warm milk, adding a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step to activate the yeast, ensuring your dough will rise beautifully.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. These flavors will give the dough a fresh and pleasant note.

3. Forming the dough: Once the yeast has risen, pour the yeast mixture over the dry ingredients. Add the beaten eggs and the remaining warm milk in which you dissolved the sugar. Mix gently with your hands, then start kneading.

4. Adding the oil: While kneading, gradually add the oil or melted butter. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and tasty pastry.

5. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

6. Preparing the filling: While waiting for the dough to rise, prepare the filling. Whisk the egg with a whisk, add the sour cream and powdered sugar, mixing well. This creamy filling will enrich the pastry with a delicious texture.

7. Assembling the pastry: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two and roll each piece into thin sheets. Place them in greased trays. Spread each sheet with the sour cream filling, sprinkle with ground walnuts, and add the diced Turkish delight (I recommend dusting the Turkish delight with powdered sugar to make it easier to cut and prevent sticking).

8. Second rising: Let the pastry rise for another 15-20 minutes, then bake it in a preheated oven at 175°C for about 20 minutes, or until it turns golden and beautifully browned.

9. Cooling and serving: After removing it from the oven, let it cool slightly to avoid burns. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar on top for an attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions:

Walnut and Turkish delight pastry is perfect enjoyed alongside a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sour cream for a delicious contrast. Another idea is to serve it with a vanilla or chocolate sauce, adding a decadent touch.

Possible variations:

To add a personal touch to your recipe, you can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios. Instead of Turkish delight, you can use candied fruits like cherries or apricots to add a fruity flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but the dough will have a slightly different texture.

2. Can I make the pastry a few days in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry and keep it in the refrigerator, covered, but it's recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy its fluffy texture.

3. How can I store leftover pastry? You can keep the pastry in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a longer period.

Nutritional benefits:

This pastry is a good source of carbohydrates, protein (thanks to the eggs and nuts), and healthy fats (due to the oil or butter). The nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, while the Turkish delight adds a quick energy boost due to its sugar content.

With this walnut and Turkish delight pastry recipe, you'll not only bring a delicious dessert to the table but also a piece of cherished tradition and memories. So, put on your chef's attire, gather your family and friends, and let the magic of cooking begin!