Tulumba is a cherished Turkish dessert — crispy, golden fried dough piped into elegant ridged cylinders, then bathed in cool lemon-scented sugar syrup. With its perfectly shatteringly crisp shell and soft, tender interior, it is a beloved staple at celebrations, street festivals, and family gatherings across Turkey and throughout the broader Middle East, where it also goes by the names balah el sham, bamiyeh, or simply fried choux fritters. Unlike baklava, tulumba is light, not overly sweet, and surprisingly straightforward to prepare at home — with just 5 core ingredients and a piping bag.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- 🍯 Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside — soaked in fragrant syrup
- ⏱️ Only 30 minutes of prep and frying time
- 💛 Naturally nut-free and easily dairy-free
- 💸 Costs under $6 and makes 20 to 25 pieces
- ✨ Impressive yet approachable — ideal for entertaining guests
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Dough
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature