Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers

Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers Recipe from Ethiopia - Learn How to Make It

Region / culture: Ethiopia | Servings: 12

Introduction

Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers are a delicious Middle Eastern pastry filled with a sweet walnut mixture. These turnovers are perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.

History

Sanbusa turnovers have a long history in Middle Eastern cuisine, with variations found in countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. The sweet filling of ground walnuts, sugar, and spices is a traditional favorite in many households.

Ingredients

Dough

0.75 cup butter
0.75 cup oil
5 cup white flour
2 tsp salt
0.5-0.75 cup cold water

Sweet Filling

3 cup finely ground walnuts
1.5 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp cardamom
0.25 tsp saffron, dissolved in 1 tbsp of water
2 tbsp rose water

How to prepare

Dough

Melt the butter with the oil.
Combine the flour and salt in a bowl, create a well in the center, and add the oil and butter.
Stir vigorously until combined, then add water until the dough holds together and comes away from the sides of the bowl.
Wrap the ball of dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator while preparing the stuffing.

Sweet Filling

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Assembling the Sanbusa

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) degrees.
For each pastry, take a walnut-sized piece of dough and roll it out into a 3-inch circle.
Place a teaspoonful of filling in the center of the dough, fold the circle into a half-moon shape, and firmly pinch the edges. (Another traditional shape is the triangular pocket, formed by pinching together the edges of the circle in three seams that meet in the center over the filling).
Place the pastries on an ungreased baking sheet and bake in the oven for 45 minutes, until golden yellow, or deep fry in vegetable oil.
Serve warm.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the sweet filling for extra flavor.
Substitute almonds or pistachios for the walnuts in the filling for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the edges of the turnovers tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking or frying.

- For a crispier texture, deep fry the turnovers instead of baking them.

- Serve the turnovers warm for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful snack or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough thinly and evenly will ensure a crisp and flaky pastry.

- Pinching the edges of the turnovers tightly will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking or frying.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ghee instead of butter for a richer flavor in the dough.

- If you don't have rose water, you can substitute with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the turnovers just before baking or frying for a convenient make-ahead option.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers are a good source of vitamin E from the walnuts and cardamom.

Alergens

Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers contain nuts (walnuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers are a delicious treat that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making them a suitable indulgence for those watching their intake.

Summary

Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers are a delightful Middle Eastern pastry filled with a sweet walnut mixture. These turnovers are perfect for a sweet treat or dessert, and can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers. It was a warm summer day when I was visiting my friend Maria, who had recently returned from a trip to Morocco. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the sweet aroma of spices and sugar wafting through the air.

Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous smile on her face. "I have something special to share with you today," she said as she led me to the kitchen counter. There, laid out before me, were the ingredients for a delicious dessert I had never seen before.

Maria explained that she had learned how to make these Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers from a local pastry chef during her travels in Morocco. The chef had graciously shared the recipe with her, and now she wanted to pass it on to me.

I eagerly watched as Maria began to demonstrate how to make the turnovers. She started by mixing together flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Next, she added in softened butter and a splash of water, kneading the dough until it was smooth and elastic.

As the dough rested, Maria prepared the filling. She combined chopped almonds, sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of orange zest in a separate bowl. The fragrant combination of flavors wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the dough had chilled, Maria rolled it out into thin circles and spooned a generous portion of the filling onto each one. She then folded the dough over the filling, crimping the edges to create a beautiful, crescent-shaped turnover.

As Maria placed the turnovers in the oven to bake, the kitchen filled with the heavenly scent of warm spices and sugar. I could hardly contain my excitement as I waited for them to finish baking.

When the turnovers emerged from the oven, golden brown and glistening with a sugary glaze, Maria presented me with one on a delicate porcelain plate. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a far-off land, where the flavors of cinnamon, almonds, and orange danced on my taste buds.

I couldn't believe how simple yet decadent these Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers were. I asked Maria for the recipe, and she gladly wrote it down for me on a worn sheet of paper. From that day on, this recipe became a staple in my repertoire, a reminder of the time I spent with my dear friend and the culinary adventures we shared.

Over the years, I have made these Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and quiet nights at home. Each time I take a bite, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of this delectable dessert.

I am grateful to Maria for sharing this recipe with me, and for introducing me to the rich and vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine. It is a gift that I will cherish for a lifetime, a reminder of the power of food to connect us across borders and cultures.

And so, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Sweet Sanbusa Turnovers for my grandchildren to enjoy, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that led me to this moment. I can only hope that one day, they too will pass on this recipe to their loved ones, creating new memories and connections through the joy of cooking.