Dondurma is a Turkish twist on classic ice cream, and it’s famous for its stretchy, chewy texture. Originating from the bustling streets of Turkey, this unique treat offers an exciting blend of flavors and the joy of playful ice cream stretches. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create this delightful dessert at home.
| Country | Turkey |
| Degree of Difficulty | Medium |
| Type of Food | Dessert |
| Cooking Time | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Serving Size | 4 servings |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons mastic resin (or use a few drops of mastic extract)
- 2 tablespoons salep powder (or substitute with cornstarch)
- A pinch of salt
- Chopped pistachios or your choice of toppings (optional)
Steps or Directions:
- Begin by dissolving the salep powder in a small amount of milk to form a paste. If you don’t have salep powder, cornstarch is a suitable substitute.
- In a saucepan, combine the remaining milk, heavy cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it begins to steam.
- Add the dissolved salep paste (or cornstarch) and mastic resin to the milk mixture. Continue to stir gently.
- Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool. Once it reaches room temperature, refrigerate it for several hours or overnight.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If desired, add chopped pistachios or your choice of toppings during the last few minutes of churning.
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for a few hours to firm it up.
- Serve your homemade Dondurma, and enjoy the chewy, stretchy Turkish delight!
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving)
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- Feel free to experiment with various toppings like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or shredded coconut.
- If you can’t find mastic resin, mastic extract is a suitable alternative.
Tips or Variations:
- Achieving the perfect stretchy texture depends on the quality of your salep powder or cornstarch. Look for a reliable source.
- Remember that the mixture will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t overcook it during the initial heating.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- Dondurma is a uniquely Turkish treat and is not commonly found in other countries.
Allergen Checklist:
- This recipe contains dairy and may not be suitable for vegans.
- Please note that salep powder is made from the root of certain orchids and may be restricted in some regions.
