Tufahija (Bosnian Poached Stuffed Apples) Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where today I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite Bosnian desserts – Tufahija (pronounced too-fah-he-ya). This dessert is a classic staple in Bosnian cuisine and is loved by many for its unique flavor and texture.

Tufahija is essentially a poached apple stuffed with a mixture of walnuts and raisins, cooked in sugar water until tender and juicy. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that is both refreshing and satisfying.

As a chef, I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, but there’s something special about traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Tufahija is one of those recipes that holds a special place in my heart, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will transport your taste buds to the heart of Bosnia. So let’s get started and make some delicious Tufahija!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tufahija (Bosnian Poached Stuffed Apples)

Looking for a unique and delicious dessert that will impress your guests? Look no further than Tufahija, a traditional Bosnian dessert

Ingredient List

“The perfect fall dessert: Tufahija, a Bosnian delicacy with a twist.”

Let’s start with the ingredients for this Tufahija (Bosnian Poached Stuffed Apples) recipe. You’ll need the following:

For the Poaching Syrup:

2 cups of water
1 cup of sugar

For the Walnut Filling:

1 cup of walnuts, finely chopped
1/2 cup of raisins

For the Stuffed Apples:

6 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
1 cup of cold water
1 tablespoon of lemon juice

For Serving:

Whipped cream
Ground cinnamon

All of these ingredients can be easily found at your local grocery store. Don’t forget to check the baking aisle for walnuts and raisins, and the produce section for fresh apples.

The Recipe How-To

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s start making the stuffed poached apples. First, you need to wash the apples and take the core out of them using an apple corer. Be careful not to puncture the bottom of the apples, as you want them to hold the filling inside.

Stuffing the Apples

Next, let’s prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts and raisins. Take a spoonful of the mixture and stuff it inside the cored apple. Repeat the process until all the apples are stuffed.

Poaching the Apples

In a pot, bring water and sugar to a boil. Once the sugar dissolves, add the stuffed apples to the pot. Lower the heat and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the apples are soft.

Making the Syrup

While the apples are cooking, you can prepare the syrup. Take 1 cup of the poaching liquid and add it to a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Set it aside to cool.

Serving the Tufahija

Once the apples are cooked, take them out of the pot and place them in a serving dish. Pour the syrup over the apples and let them cool to room temperature. You can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and some extra chopped walnuts or almonds on top.

Tips for Perfect Results

Be careful not to overcook the apples, or they will fall apart.
You can use different types of apples, but make sure they are firm enough to hold the filling.
If you want to make the dish ahead of time, you can poach the apples and make the syrup a day before. Keep them in separate containers in the fridge and assemble them before serving.
You can try different fillings, such as dried figs, apricots, or dates.

Now that you know how to make this traditional Bosnian dessert, go ahead and make some Tufahija for your next dinner party or family gathering. Your guests will be impressed by this delicious and unique dessert.

Substitutions and Variations

Tufahija is a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:

– Instead of raisins and walnuts, you can use other dried fruits and nuts such as apricots, figs, almonds, or pistachios. These will add a different flavor and texture to the dish.

– For a healthier version, you can use honey instead of sugar to sweeten the poaching syrup. You can also use low-fat whipped cream or skip it altogether.

– If you’re short on time, you can skip the poaching step and simply bake the stuffed apples in the oven until tender. This will give them a different texture and flavor, but it will still be delicious.

– You can experiment with different spices to flavor the poaching syrup. For example, you can add cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves to give it a warm and aromatic flavor.

– For a boozy twist, you can add a splash of brandy, rum, or amaretto to the poaching syrup. This will give the dish a rich and complex flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the apples.

– Instead of apples, you can use other fruits such as pears, quinces, or peaches. These will have a different texture and flavor, but they will still be delicious when stuffed with walnuts and poached in sugar water.

Overall, don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Tufahija is a traditional Bosnian dessert, but it can be adapted to suit your taste and preferences. Whether you’re using different fruits, nuts, or spices, there are endless variations to explore and enjoy.

Serving and Pairing

Tufahija is a dessert that pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as traditional Bosnian coffee or tea. The creamy stuffed apples also go great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

To serve tufahija, I recommend placing the poached stuffed apples on a small plate and pouring a bit of the poaching syrup on top. You can also sprinkle some crushed walnuts or almonds over the top for added texture and nuttiness.

Tufahija is a dessert that is both sweet and rich, and it is perfect for serving to guests or as a special treat for yourself. The combination of soft, poached apples with the crunchy texture of the walnuts and raisins is absolutely delicious.

Overall, tufahija is a dessert that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet, this Bosnian dessert is a must-try.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Tufahija is a dessert that can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated with ease. If you need to prepare the dessert the day before, simply poach the apples and store them in the poaching syrup in the refrigerator overnight. The stuffed apples can be prepared and stored in the same way, but it is best to stuff the apples just before serving to prevent the nuts and raisins from getting soggy.

When it comes to storing the dessert, it is important to keep in mind that tufahija is best consumed within a day or two of being made. If you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before serving, bring the dessert to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then reheat the poaching syrup and stuffed apples in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Tufahija can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, place the poached and stuffed apples in an airtight container, pour the poaching syrup over them, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the dessert overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as described above.

One tip for reheating tufahija is to serve it with freshly whipped cream to add richness and balance out the sweetness of the poached apples. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, so be sure to reheat it just before serving for the best results.

Tips for Perfect Results

If you are making Tufahija for the first time, you might be wondering how to get it just right. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results:

1. Choose the right apples: It is essential to choose the right type of apple for this recipe. I recommend using firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet stuffing.

2. Core the apples carefully: When coring the apples, be sure to leave the bottom of the apple intact so that the filling does not leak out during cooking. Use a small, sharp knife to carefully carve out the core and seeds, leaving a hollow cavity for the filling.

3. Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh ingredients, including walnuts and raisins. Stale or old ingredients can affect the taste and texture of the final dish.

4. Poach the apples gently: To prevent the apples from falling apart during cooking, it is essential to poach them gently in the sugar-water mixture. Keep the heat low and simmer the apples for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape.

5. Stuff the apples generously: Fill each apple cavity with a generous amount of the walnut and raisin mixture. Press the filling down gently to ensure it stays in place during cooking.

6. Serve with whipped cream: Tufahija is traditionally served with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The cream adds a rich, creamy element to the dish and complements the sweet, nutty flavors of the stuffing.

7. Garnish with extra walnuts: For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top of the whipped cream before serving. This adds a nice crunch and texture to the dish.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Tufahija turns out perfectly every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of nuts and fruit fillings to create your own unique version of this classic Bosnian dessert.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Tufahija is a traditional Bosnian dessert that is both unique and delicious. Its walnut-stuffed poached apples in sugar water syrup, served with whipped cream, make it an irresistible dessert that you and your guests will love. This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that can be easily found in your local grocery store. Plus, it has numerous variations that you can experiment with to suit your taste buds.

So, why not give it a try? With this recipe and tips in hand, you can make a mouthwatering dessert that will transport you to the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Whether you are a fan of apple desserts or a lover of exotic flavors, Tufahija is the perfect dessert for you. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and make Tufahija today!