If you’re a fan of fruit-based exotic desserts, we have a special surprise for you in this quick recipe. Originating from Bosnia, the heart of the Balkans, this dessert is one of those snacks that takes people a nostalgic journey back to their grandmothers’ kitchens when they were a kid and these desserts were mandatory at all festive gatherings. I’m talking of course about one of Bosnia’s most famous desserts- tufahija and in this article, we’ll introduce you to the traditional tufahija recipe and teach you everything there is to know about this beloved Bosnian dessert, including its origin, its different variations, some preparation tips, and more.
But first things first…
What is Tufahija?
Tufahija is a simple Bosnian dessert that uses apples as the main ingredient, hollows it out, lets it simmer in a sweet sugar-water mixture infused with lemon and spiced with cinnamon or cloves. The apple is filled with a sweet mix of walnuts and sugar, and topped with liquid sugar (sherbet). Tufahija is traditionally paired up with a cup of Bosnian coffee or tea and is also quite popular in neighboring Croatia, Serbia, and even Macedonia and it’s a proof that oftentimes, simplicity reigns supreme.
Tufahija Origin
The fist mention of something similar in history date back to ancient times, ancient Persia to be more specific where it was considered a royal treat. It was probably introduced to the Balkans during the era of the Ottoman Empire, as the empire expanded. And so, the tufahija recipe made it to the heart of Europe, where it got an enchanting Balkan twist. Interestingly enough, the dessert is not as popular and as mentioned in Turkey or even Iran as it is in Bosnian cuisine, where it’s considered to be the go-to national dessert.
The traditional tufahija recipe features a walnut-stuffed apple bathed in liquid sugar and topped with a hint of lemon and cinnamon but there several dessert/snack variations out there and here are some of the most popular ones.
Different: While walnuts reign is the usual choice, people like to experiment. You can find tufahija with almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios replacing the walnuts.
Different Spices: Cardamom, anise, a splash of rose or orange blossom water, or even a little bit of rum can add an exotic touch.
Use pears: Apples are the heart of the tufahija recipe, but you can literally apply the same recipe on pears or other fruits with similar texture.
Vegan Version: Instead of regular milk, you can use coconut milk or almond milk.
A Chocolaty Affair: Now, locals might say this is blasphemous, but a drizzle (or more) of dark or white chocolate over the top makes this dessert so much better.
The Garnish: You can top the tufahija and add a personal touch with creative toppings like pomegranate seeds, shredded coconut, or even edible flowers.
Preparation Tips
Picking Your Apples
Not all apples are created equal, and for tufahija, you want only the best of the best: strong, firm, and without a single blemish. Granny Smiths or Golden Delicious are always a great choice for this recipe.
Peeling
Carefully core those apples and don’t waste any edible flesh. Also be careful not to puncture the bottom- you need something to hold your filling. Use a melon baller or small knife.
The Lemon Secret
Apples brown faster than you can say “tufahija” but if you just brush them with some lemon juice, the browning process slows down significantly.
The Syrupy Soiree
Dissolve sugar in water, add a couple of cinnamon sticks, a handful of cloves, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Serving
Traditionally, tufahija is served in a fancy glass like the one in the photo, alongside a glass of Turkish coffee, also served in traditional cups like in the photo and a glass of water to cleanse your palate before indulging in this delicious dessert. Before serving, don’t forget to cascade the syrup over the apple and top it with a dollop of sweet whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and crushed walnuts (or other nuts).
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the traditional tufahija recipe and teach you everything there is to know about this beloved Bosnian dessert.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Ingredients
4 medium-sized tart apples (like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
3/4 cup sugar (split into 1/2 cup for syrup and 1/4 cup for filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
4 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
5-6 cloves
Lemon juice from half a lemon
A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Peel the apples and core them, creating a cavity in the middle without breaking through the bottom. Rub the outside of the cored apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla extract..
3. Fill each apple with the walnut mixture, pressing id down gently to pack the filling.
4. In a pot large enough to hold all the apples, combine 4 cups of water, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
5. Once the syrup is ready, gently place the stuffed apples into the pot. The apples should be submerged in the syrup. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let the apples poach for about 30-40 minutes,.
6. Once cooked, remove the apples from heat and allow them to cool in the syrup, then pour some of the syrup over the top, garnish with crushed wallnuts and whipped cream, and enjoy!
Did you like our tufahija recipe? How does this dessert seam to you? If you tried to make it at home using our recipe, don’t forget to leave us a rating.
