Sutlac

It is a good combination of rice and milk. It is a dessert enjoyed by many people from all over the world. However, it is mostly peculiar to Asian cuisine. The main ingredients of Sutlac are rice, milk or cream, spices (cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg), flavorings (pistachio, vanilla) and sweeteners like sugar, honey and fruits. It can be served either hot or cold. It was first prepared in Ottoman kitchen by the order of Ottoman Emperor.

Pismaniye

It was invented by Agop Efendi, who was an Armenian descent in 19th century. Therefore, it is peculiar to Ottoman Empire cuisine. It is known as “Turkish Cotton Candy”, which includes a combination of flour, sugar and pistachio. Pismaniye is a soft, light, and fluffy dessert. It is mostly served at festivals or after coming back from a long journey in Turkey.

Sekerpare

The main ingredients of Sekerpare are flour, eggs, butter, pistachio and sugar. Sekerpare is made as small pieces and the amount of sugar in Sekerpare is very high. So, when someone eats two or three pieces, it makes him feel full. It can be served either hot or cold. It reminds many people of Tulumba dessert.

Revani

Revani is one of the well-known desserts of Turkish, Arabic and Greek cuisine. However, it is known as with different names in different cultures. For example, in Arabic cultures it is called as Basbousa. Revani takes it's name from a poet who lived in 16th century. Additionally, there are very little differences between both cooking and ingredients. The main ingredients of Turkish revani are semolina, eggs, sugar, flour. After being cooked, it is mixed with syrup which has already been prepared. The typical Revani syrup includes caster sugar, water and lemon. It is usually served at room temperature. Some people prefer to serve it with clotted cream.

Keskul

It is a kind of pudding peculiar to Turkish cuisine. The main ingredients of Keskul are milk, egg yolks, sugar, corn starch and almond. First of all the egg yolks are whisked with almond extract, sugar, corn starch and milk in a bowl. Prepared mixture is stirred in medium heat. While stirring the mixture, boil it two or three minutes. Afterthat, let the mixture cool for an hour. Keskul is served cold with ice-cream.

Tulumba

It is a kind of Turkish dessert. It is deemed that it originates from ancient Anatolian cultures. The main ingredients of tulumba are water, unsalted butter, salt, flour, sunflower oil and eggs. The syrup of tulumba is made with sugar, water and lemon juice. Water, butter and salt is heated in a pot. When it starts boling, flour is added and the heat is lowered. Whole mixture is stirred constantly until it becomes doughy. Then the eggs are added to the mixture one at a time and blended. Finally, it is mixed with it's syrup that has already been prepared.

 

Lokum

Lokum is called as “Turkish delight” in other European countries. It is mainly made from sugar and starch. However, in some lokum kinds, it is flavored with lemon, rosewater, cinnamon and mint. Lokums are generally white, yellow and pink. I prefer to taste the pink one because it is mixed with rosewater.Lokums with rosewater smell like roses.Because of it's ingredients,lokum is soft and sticky.

Baklava

Baklava is a heritage from Ottoman Empire cuisine to Turkish cuisine.In Ottoman Empire,Baklava was made in big palaces of the Empire.It was made especially in Topkapi Palace in Istanbul where the sultans of Ottoman Empire stayed.So,Baklava is not only delicious but also a historical significance.The main ingredients of Baklava is walnut and pistachio.After being cooked,it is sweetened with it's syrup.

Kadayif

The main ingredients of Kadayif are sugar,butter,hazelnut,water and lemon.Kadayif is first cooked and then mixed with it's syrup.After being prepared,it is served cool.Kadayif is the main delight of Ramadan and Muslim's bairams.In patisseries,kadayif is served with ice-cream.

 

Lychee

This fruit from China is surrounded by a rough, bumpy skin which hides the deliciously sweet flesh that awaits inside. You can peel away the outer skin and eat it as is or add it to fruit salads. It tastes delicious when teamed with a bowl of vanilla ice cream or yogurt. Or made into sweet tasting jellies. Lychee is also thought to have medicinal properties in that it helps to ease a cough. If you can't find this fruit in the produce section of your supermarket, its available canned at oriental food markets.

Passionfruit

This dark purple fruit has some resemblance to a plum externally, but has a distinct tropical flavor when the juicy flesh is eaten. To eat this delicious fruit, cut it in half and eat the sweet flesh with a spoon. This is another exotic fruit that tastes great when paired with ice cream or fresh yogurt. It can form the basis for a variety of dessert dishes including passion fruit tarts, pies, cheesecake, and more.

Cherimoya

This South American fruit has the rough exterior of an artichoke but the inside fruit is sweet with a custard like texture. The black seeds should be discarded as they are inedible. This unusual fruit tastes delicious as part of a fruit salad and can be used as the primary ingredient in sauces Cherimoya is also delicious served as a sorbet or ice cream or even a smoothie.

Cactus Pear

This thick skin of this exotic fruit covers a light and refreshing pulp that has a taste similar to watermelon. It can be enjoyed by scooping the fruit out and eating it as is or combined with yogurt or ice cream. It can also form the flavoring for a variety of dessert offerings. Cactus pear makes a delicious jelly or marmalade to serve on hot biscuits or croissants.

Star Fruit

Unlike the other unusual fruits, star fruit has a somewhat bittersweet flavor. It's best used as a component of a tropical salad combined with other sweeter fruits. This fruit is also popular as an attractive garnish.

The next time you're at your local supermarket titillate your taste buds a bit by trying some of these unusual fruits. They can provide a welcome change from your standard fruit options.