A flour-based, semolina crusted, baked sweet with almond and orange notes. Said to be named after the Ottoman grand vizier who saved a sultans life by accidentally wounding him. 

 

 

  

Ottoman Sweets & Desserts: Vezir Parmağı (The Vizier's Fingers) Recipe. 

 

Ingredients

• • 1.5 cups sugar
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • 1 Cup water
  • 2 cups flour
  • 100 grams of butter
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 5-6 drops of almond essence or flavouring
  • 1/2 cup of yoghurt
  • 1 Large egg
  • 10grams (1 Packet) of baking powder mix
  • 4-5 handfuls of semolina 

 

How To Make Turkish Flour & Semolina Dessert

 

Place the sugar, orange juice and water into a saucepan and bring to the boil for several minutes before removing from the heat and allowing to cool.

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In a heavy-bottomed saucepan toasted the flour until slightly browned.
Add in the butter and oil and continue to stir until thoroughly mixed and no large lumps remain.

Allow to cool.

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Preheat the oven to 170 degrees.

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Once cooled, add in the almond extract, yoghurt, egg and baking powder.

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Bring together into a wet but moldable dough.

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Place the semolina onto a plate - it will be used to coat the finger portions.

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Take a walnut shell sized piece (Around a measuring tablespoon) amount of dough and roll into a finger shape.

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Gently roll the dough finger in the semolina to coat it and place on a baking paper-lined oven tray.

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Bake in the preheated oven for around 20 minutes.

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Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

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Pour the cold orange syrup over the fingers.

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After 5 or so minutes prop up one side of the try to allow excess syrup to drain off.

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Afiyet Olsun 

 

For my take on the story behind this dish's name see The Vizier's Fingers.

 

 

Notes on making Turkish Desserts.

 

• The dessert can be fried as is more often served in Turkey but this makes for a more dense treat. 

 

• The sherbet ratio has also been reduced compared to traditional service. You may make more or leave the dessert to soak for longer should you wish for a sweeter treat. 

 

• Orange can be substituted for a few lemon drops and almond can be omitted if you wish.