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Turkish dessert spread

Turkish Halka Tatlisi Dessert (Crispy Fried Syrup Rings)

Halka Tatlisi is a classic Turkish street dessert made from semolina dough, fried until golden, and soaked in lemon syrup. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and dripping with sweetness, it’s a simple treat you can easily make at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 rings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the syrup:
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
For the dough:
  • 1 cup semolina
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup full-fat plain yogurt
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
For frying:
  • Vegetable oil enough for deep frying

Method
 

  1. Make the syrup: Add sugar and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Let it cool completely.
  2. Mix the dough: In a bowl, combine semolina, flour, eggs, yogurt, baking soda, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until you have a thick but pipeable batter.
  3. Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep frying pan. Heat until hot but not smoking. Test with a small drop of dough—it should bubble right away.
  4. Pipe the rings: Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe circular rings directly into the hot oil.
  5. Fry until golden: Cook the rings, flipping once, until both sides are crisp and golden.
  6. Dip in syrup: Remove from oil and immediately dip into the cooled syrup for a few seconds.
  7. Serve warm: Place on a plate, let the excess syrup drip off, and enjoy.

Notes

  • The syrup must be completely cool before dipping the hot rings. This is the secret to a crisp outside that doesn’t turn soggy.
  • Use a star piping tip for the most authentic look.
  • Best eaten fresh on the same day.