Traditional Turkish Dondurma Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup salep flour
1 teaspoon mastic gum, crushed
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Steps and instructions

Combine the granulated sugar, salep flour, and crushed mastic gum in a large saucepan. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Add in the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken.
Once the mixture has thickened, reduce the heat to low and continue to stir for another 20 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions to churn the ice cream.
When the ice cream has thickened to a soft-serve consistency, slowly add in the powdered sugar while the ice cream maker is still churning.
Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Before serving the dondurma, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften. Serve in bowls or cones and enjoy.

Tools for making

Saucepan - A large saucepan is needed to cook the ice cream mixture.
Ice cream maker - An ice cream maker is required to churn the ice cream and achieve the desired texture.
Lidded container - A container with a lid is necessary to store the ice cream in the freezer.
Ice cream scoop - An ice cream scoop will help in serving the dondurma smoothly.
Bowls or cones - Bowls or cones are needed to serve the dondurma.

Recipe variations

Adding crushed pistachios or other nuts as a topping
Swirling in chocolate sauce or caramel sauce before freezing
Using almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk
Adding in different flavors such as strawberry, coffee, or chocolate extract
Using cornstarch instead of salep flour
Adding chunks of fruits like bananas or berries to the ice cream
Making it vegan by using a plant-based milk and dairy-free cream substitute
Experimenting with different sweeteners like honey or maple syrup

Recipe overview

Dondurma is a traditional Turkish ice cream known for its thick, chewy texture and aromatic flavors. This unique consistency is achieved through the addition of salep flour and mastic gum, two ingredients common in Mediterranean cuisine but unusual in ice cream. The result is a delicious dessert that's both refreshing and satisfyingly chewy. This recipe guides you through the process of making your own dondurma at home. It might seem a bit unfamiliar if you've never made it before, but the process is straightforward and the end result is truly worth it. Expect a creamy, dense ice cream that holds its shape longer than regular ice cream, perfect for savoring on a hot summer day.

Common questions

Can I substitute salep flour with another ingredient?
No, salep flour is a key ingredient in dondurma and cannot be substituted. It gives the ice cream its unique texture and stretchiness.
Can I use a different type of milk?
For best results, it is recommended to use whole milk in this recipe. Using a different type of milk may alter the texture and taste of the dondurma.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make dondurma?
Yes, an ice cream maker is necessary to churn the dondurma and achieve the desired consistency. It helps incorporate air into the mixture and prevents ice crystals from forming.
How long does the dondurma need to freeze?
The dondurma should be frozen for at least 4 hours, or until it is firm enough to scoop. However, for best results, it is recommended to let it freeze overnight.
Can I add any toppings or mix-ins to the dondurma?
Absolutely! Dondurma can be enjoyed plain, but you can also add various toppings or mix-ins such as nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit for added flavor and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Ice Cream Maker - An electric or manual device used to churn and freeze ice cream mixture.
Saucepan - A cooking pot with a handle and a lid, used for heating and preparing the ice cream mixture.
Whisk - A kitchen utensil with wire loops used for stirring and blending ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - Utensils used to accurately measure the quantities of ingredients.
Spatula - A flat, flexible utensil used for scraping the sides of the saucepan and transferring the mixture.
Lidded Container - A container with a tight-fitting lid for storing the churned ice cream in the freezer.
Ice Cream Scoop - A utensil with a round scoop at the end, designed for scooping and serving ice cream.
Bowls or Cones - Serving vessels for the dondurma.

Origin stories

Dondurma, the deliciously rich and chewy ice cream that's a staple in Turkey, has a surprising, offbeat history that dates back to the 1600s. Ottoman tales have it that an ingenious Turkish trader, known for his travels to Arabia, stumbled upon a group of people chilling their food by burying it in the snow. Intrigued by this method, he decided to experiment with his own version by mixing fruit, sugar, and snow. The result was a delightful frozen treat that quickly gained popularity throughout the empire. The story doesn't end here, though. The unique texture and elasticity of Dondurma came about when it was discovered that adding salep, a flour made from the root of a mountain orchid, and mastic, a resin, created a delightful chewiness not found in the snow-based treat. And thus, the Dondurma we know and love today was born.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.