Dilber Dudağı Delight

Ingredients

• For the pastry: For the pastry:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 cup (100g) walnuts, finely ground 1 cup (100g) walnuts, finely ground
• 1 cup (100g) almonds, finely ground 1 cup (100g) almonds, finely ground
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• For the syrup: For the syrup:
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon rosewater 1 tablespoon rosewater
• Optional garnish: Optional garnish:
• Crushed pistachios Crushed pistachios
• Powdered sugar Powdered sugar

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 27g (Sugar: 14g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground walnuts, ground almonds, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves to prepare the filling.
5. 5.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a thin sheet. Cut the dough into rectangles, approximately 8x4 cm (3x1.5 inches).
6. 6.
   Place a teaspoon of the nut filling onto each rectangle of dough. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
7. 7.
   Arrange the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. 8.
   While the pastries are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, lemon juice, and rosewater. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
9. 9.
   Once the pastries are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over them. Allow the pastries to soak in the syrup for at least 1 hour before serving.
10. 10.
    Optional: Garnish with crushed pistachios or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Walnuts and Almonds — Make sure to finely grind the nuts for a smooth and consistent filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a teaspoon of orange blossom water to the syrup for a citrusy twist.
• If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or syrup according to your taste.
• Store the Dilber Dudağı in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness.

Serving advice

Serve Dilber Dudağı at room temperature to fully enjoy its flavors and textures. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Dilber Dudağı on a platter, garnished with crushed pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will captivate your guests.