Saray İkramı
Background and History
Saray İkramı, which translates to "Palace Treat" in Turkish, is a luxurious dessert that reflects the opulence of the Ottoman Empire. Traditionally, this dish was enjoyed by sultans and their guests in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. With a rich heritage and blend of Eastern and Western flavors, this decadent dessert primarily consists of layers of flaky pastry combined with sweet, creamy layers of custard or cream, often adorned with nuts and syrups. The dessert has withstood the test of time and influenced modern Turkish and Balkan desserts.
Originally, Saray İkramı represented a culinary fusion due to the cultural exchanges within the empire’s vast territories, encompassing regions of the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe. The dessert is admired for its intricate preparation and the balance of flavors that showcase both simplicity and elegance in Ottoman culinary culture.
Ingredients
- Phyllo dough - 1 package, thawed
- Butter - 1 cup, melted
- Milk - 2 cups
- Sugar - 1 cup
- Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch - 1/4 cup
- Egg yolks - 4
- Pistachios - 1/2 cup, crushed
- Walnuts - 1/2 cup, crushed
- Rose water - 1 tablespoon
- Honey - 1/4 cup, warmed
Preparation
Begin by preparing the custard filling for the Saray İkramı. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the milk and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a little water to create a smooth paste.
Once the milk mixture is warm, slowly whisk in the cornstarch paste. Continue to cook while stirring until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the vanilla and the egg yolks until well combined. Set aside to cool completely.
Assembling the Saray İkramı
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush a baking dish with butter. Line it with a sheet of phyllo dough, and brush each layer with melted butter as you stack them, using about half the package of phyllo.
- Spread the prepared custard evenly over the phyllo layers.
- Cover the custard with the remaining sheets of phyllo, brushing each sheet with more melted butter.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of phyllo into desired serving sizes.
- Sprinkle the top with crushed walnuts.
Baking the Saray İkramı
Place the assembled dessert in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the phyllo layers are crisped.
Finishing Touches
Upon removing from the oven, immediately drizzle the warmed honey and rose water over the dessert to allow it to soak in while it cools. Finish by sprinkling the top with crushed pistachios.
Serving Suggestions
Allow the Saray İkramı to cool before serving, letting all the flavors meld together. This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea, accentuating the rich, creamy textures with refreshing notes.
To fully savor the dish, each bite should include layers of the crispy phyllo dough, creamy custard, and the crunchy nuttiness of the sprinkled pistachios and walnuts. For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe to ensure there’s enough for everyone to enjoy.