Bülbül Yuvası (Bülbül’s Nest dessert) , originating from Turkish cuisine, is a delectable treat known for its intricate pastry layers and sweet syrup. The dessert consists of thin pastry layers wrapped around a nut filling, resembling a bird’s nest. Once baked to golden perfection, it’s soaked in a fragrant syrup, infusing each bite with sweetness. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
Bülbül Yuvası For The Dough:
50g butter
1 teacup milk
1 teacup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon apple/grape vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon yogurt
Approximately 4 cups flour
Cornstarch
Bülbül Yuvası For Brushing:
250g butter
Bülbül Yuvası For The Syrup:
4 cups water
4 cups granulated sugar
3-4 drops lemon juice
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine egg, yogurt, milk, vegetable oil, melted butter, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.
Gradually add flour and knead until you get a soft dough.
Transfer the dough onto a surface, shape it into a ball, then divide into 8 equal pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
After resting, roll out each piece thinly using cornstarch to prevent sticking. Cut each rolled-out dough into 4 equal parts.
Sprinkle crushed nuts over each piece, then roll them up around a thin rolling pin, leaving about 2 cm of dough hanging off each end.
Pull both ends towards the center to form a twist.
Remove the rolling pin and pinch the ends together to form a circle.
Place the dough circles onto a baking tray, arranging them so that the sealed edges are at the bottom. Repeat with remaining dough pieces.
Brush melted butter over the dough, ensuring it covers all surfaces.
Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C for about 90 minutes or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by combining water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then add lemon juice and simmer for another 15 minutes.
Once baked, remove the dessert from the oven and pour the hot syrup over it.
Allow the dessert to cool slightly, then garnish the center of each pastry with a pistachio or walnut before serving.
Enjoy your Bülbül Yuvası Nest dessert!