Tespishte
Tespishte is a traditional Kosovar dessert pastry, characterized by its simple preparation and sweet, syrupy finish. It's made from a dough of flour, eggs, and leavening, often enriched with nuts or seeds, then baked and soaked in a lemon-vanilla flavored sugar syrup. It's a popular treat for special occasions and holidays.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 3 large Eggs
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil(plus more for greasing)
- 0.5 cup Milk or water
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 0.5 cup Walnuts or almonds(finely chopped (optional))
- 2 cups Sugar(for syrup)
- 1.5 cups Water(for syrup)
- 0.5 tsp Lemon(zest or juice for syrup)
- 1 tsp Vanilla sugar(for syrup)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. If using nuts, stir them in now.
💡 Tip: Ensure baking powder is fresh for a good rise. - 2
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and milk (or water) until well combined.
💡 Tip: Using room temperature ingredients can help with emulsification. - 3
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Do not overmix.
- 4
Grease a baking tray (approximately 9x13 inches) and spread the dough evenly into the tray. Score the dough into rhomboid shapes.
💡 Tip: Lightly flour your hands if the dough is sticky. - 5
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
💡 Tip: Rotate the tray halfway through baking for even browning. - 6
While the tespishte is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon zest/juice, and vanilla sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
💡 Tip: The syrup should be lukewarm when poured over the hot pastry. - 7
Once the tespishte is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot pastry. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes before serving.
💡 Tip: Allowing it to soak ensures the pastry absorbs the sweet syrup.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra flavor, a pinch of cinnamon can be added to the dough.
- ✓Ensure the syrup is not too hot, or it might make the pastry soggy.
- ✓Tespishte can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sesame seeds or desiccated coconut to the dough.
- Use pistachios or other nuts for a different flavor profile.