Delicious Güllaç

About

Güllaç is a traditional Turkish dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a delicate, creamy dessert that is made from layers of thin pastry sheets and sweetened milk, topped with pomegranate seeds and crushed pistachios. Delicious Güllaç is a refreshing and light dessert that is perfect for hot summer days or as a sweet end to a meal.

The word “güllaç” comes from the Turkish word for “rosewater,” which is a key ingredient in the dessert. The dessert is made by soaking thin, almost transparent, round sheets of pastry called “güllaç” in sweetened milk that has been flavored with rosewater. The pastry sheets are delicate and slightly chewy, and they absorb the sweetened milk, giving the dessert a creamy texture. Once the layers of pastry and milk have been stacked, the dessert is refrigerated for a few hours, allowing the layers to meld together.

Güllaç is typically served with pomegranate seeds and crushed pistachios sprinkled on top. The bright red seeds and green pistachios provide a colorful contrast to the white pastry and milk layers. Pomegranate seeds also add a tartness to the dessert that balances the sweetness of the milk and pastry.

The origins of güllaç can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire. According to legend, the dessert was created by a sultan’s chef who was tasked with creating a dessert that would be both light and refreshing for the sultan during Ramadan. The chef used güllaç pastry, which was traditionally used in savory dishes, and soaked it in sweetened milk to create a new dessert. The sultan loved the dessert and it soon became popular throughout the empire.

In addition to being a delicious dessert, güllaç also has some health benefits. The dessert is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a good choice for people who are watching their weight. The pistachios used in the topping are also a good source of protein and healthy fats. However, it is important to note that güllaç is high in sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

While güllaç is traditionally eaten during Ramadan, it has become a popular dessert throughout Turkey and can be found in many bakeries and restaurants. It is also easy to make at home, although finding the güllaç pastry sheets may be a challenge outside of Turkey. However, there are many recipes available online that use similar pastry sheets or suggest alternatives.

Overall, güllaç is a unique and delicious dessert that is worth trying. Its delicate layers of pastry and sweetened milk, combined with the tartness of pomegranate seeds and the crunch of pistachios, make it a dessert that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you are looking for a new dessert to try or a taste of Turkish culture, güllaç is a dessert that is sure to please.

Ingredients

• 500ml milk
• 250ml heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon rose water
• 10-12 güllaç sheets
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios or other nuts for garnish

Method

• In a large pot, combine the milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the milk is hot, but not boiling.
• Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the rose water.
• Soak the güllaç sheets in hot water for 1-2 minutes to soften them.
• Lay one sheet of güllaç in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. The sheets should be arranged in a single layer.
• Pour a small amount of the milk mixture over the güllaç sheet. The sheet should be moistened but not soggy.
• Repeat the process with the remaining güllaç sheets, alternating layers of güllaç with the milk mixture.
• Once all of the güllaç sheets have been used, pour any remaining milk mixture over the top of the dessert.
• Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the güllaç has absorbed all of the milk mixture.
• Once the güllaç is chilled, sprinkle the top with chopped pistachios or other nuts.
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

Güllaç is a delicious and unique dessert that is perfect for entertaining or for a special treat. It’s a simple recipe that can easily be made at home with a few basic ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful Turkish dessert!