Tulumba (Balkan Fried Syrupy Pastry)

Deep-fried dough soaked in sugar syrup, a crispy and sweet treat common in Bosnia and Serbia.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the dough:

• 250 ml water

• 50 g butter

• 1 tbsp sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 150 g all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the syrup:

• 200 g sugar

• 150 ml water

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp rose or orange blossom water (optional)

For frying:

• Vegetable oil

Preparation

1. Prepare the syrup:

   • Combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan.

   • Bring to a boil, then simmer 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

   • Remove from heat and add rose or orange blossom water if desired. Let cool.

2. Make the dough:

   • In a saucepan, bring water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil.

   • Remove from heat and stir in flour until a smooth dough forms.

   • Let cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time and vanilla.

3. Pipe the tulumba:

   • Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

   • Pipe 5–7 cm long pieces directly into hot oil (170–180°C / 340–350°F).

4. Fry:

   • Fry until golden brown, turning to cook evenly.

   • Remove and drain on paper towels.

5. Soak in syrup:

   • Immediately dip fried tulumba in the cooled syrup.

   • Let them absorb the syrup for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Keep oil at medium heat so the tulumba cooks through without burning.

• Pipe pieces evenly to ensure uniform cooking and syrup absorption.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or at room temperature with Turkish coffee or black tea.

• Garnish with chopped pistachios or a light dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor.