Saturday, July 18, 2015

Tufahije (Bosnian Poached Apples)



     Tufahije is a very decadent Bosnian dessert that has origins dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Like most Bosnian desserts, tufahije is simple, sweet and inexpensive to make. Along with baklava, it is a popular dessert made for Eid (Bajram) which is exactly why I am making it this year.

Ingredients:

  • 6 Golden Delicious apples; peeled, cored and placed in lemon water to prevent browning
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups water, enough to cover the apples
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1/2 cup finely ground walnuts
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or Bosnian vanilin šećer
  • Whipped cream
     To prepare the apples, begin by adding the water, sugar, and juice of half a lemon to a large pot (big enough to fit the 6 apples). Place on stove over medium heat. While waiting for the water to simmer, peel and core the apples. Place them in a separate bowl with lemon water to prevent browning. Once the water has begun to simmer, add the apples and allow to simmer until they are tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes. Carefully remove them, and allow to cool. Reserve the liquid they were cooked in also called Šerbe.

     To prepare the filling, combine the finely ground walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Add 1/2 tsp of the Šerbe until the mixture a little mushy so that the apples are easier to fill. Fill the apples with the mixture and set aside until ready to serve.

     When ready to serve, add some Šerbe to the bottom of a small dish, add the filled apple, and top with a dollop of whipped cream.


Bajram Šerif Mubarek Olsun!

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