Ankara Şekerpare

Şekerpare is a traditional Turkish dessert that has delighted palates for centuries. The name, meaning 'a piece of sugar', completely encapsulates the decadence of this sweet treat. Originating from Ottoman kitchens, Şekerpare remains a staple in Turkish households and is loved for its simplicity and delightful flavors. Legend has it that this dessert was a favorite of the sultans, with variations gracing the tables of the Topkapı Palace. Over the years, its charm has reached far beyond Turkey’s borders, admired by dessert lovers worldwide.

Ingredients for Ankara Şekerpare

• All-purpose flour
• Semolina
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Eggs
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract
• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice
• Nuts (optional, such as hazelnuts or pistachios)

For the dough

Start by preparing the dough, which is the base of your Şekerpare. Using unsalted butter is crucial for achieving that rich taste and texture.

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of semolina.
2. Add 150 grams of softened unsalted butter and mix until you achieve a sandy texture.
3. Stir in 1 cup of powdered sugar and continue mixing gently.
4. Fold in 2 eggs, one at a time, and combine until the mixture starts forming a dough.
5. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
6. Knead the dough lightly until it's soft yet firm.

Shaping and Preparing

Once your dough is ready, shaping the Şekerpare pieces is the next step. Traditionally, these are small, round shapes resembling little buns.

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls about the size of a walnut.
3. Gently flatten each ball and press a nut into the center if using.
4. Place the shaped dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Baking the Şekerpare

1. Once your oven has preheated, insert the baking tray.
2. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
3. Use this cooking timer to ensure perfect results.

Preparing the Syrup

The secret to perfect Şekerpare lies in its signature syrup, which balances the sweetness and moistens the dessert to perfection.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar with 3 cups of water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer gently for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Add a few drops of lemon juice to the syrup to prevent crystallization.

Bringing it all together

1. Once the Şekerpare is baked, immediately pour the hot syrup over the pieces while they are still warm.
2. Let them soak in the syrup for at least 3 hours to ensure they absorb maximum moisture and flavor.

This delightful dessert can be served warm or cold, often paired with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee. Şekerpare makes for an enchanting end to meals and is sure to enchant anyone with its rich history and flavor profile.