Using Dates in Güllaç

Lecturer Aypar Satı from Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Izmir University of Economics, prepares ‘güllaç’, a traditional dessert of the month of Ramadan, using homemade date juice instead of refined sugar for a healthier alternative. Güllaç, one of the palace desserts of the Ottoman Empire, is made by cooking a mixture of corn or wheat starch with water in a pan and then drying it. Satı offers a unique twist on the traditional recipe by using date juice obtained from processed dates in the university kitchen instead of refined sugar.

COOKS IN 30 MINUTES

After removing the pits, Satı chops the dates into small pieces and cooks them for at least 30 minutes until softened. The softened dates are then blended in a food processor and strained through a cheesecloth to separate the pulp from the juice. The resulting date juice is mixed with milk and rose water, then poured warm over layers of güllaç sheets arranged in a tray. Once garnished with ingredients such as hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds, the dessert is ready to serve.

“BECAME MUCH HEALTHIER”

Lecturer Aypar Satı stated that both güllaç and dates are indispensable traditional flavors of Ramadan. Noting that güllaç, like many traditional desserts, is typically prepared with refined sugar, he said, “Date juice can already be used as a primary sweetener in various dessert recipes. In this context, by preparing güllaç with date juice, an essential symbol of iftar tables, we can create a version that is just as delicious as the original, but much healthier.” Satı also emphasized that refined sugar used in desserts can lead to many health problems.

“PREVENTS SUDDEN HUNGER”

Expressing that dates are nutritionally rich, Satı said, “Dates are very beneficial to health due to their antioxidant content and the minerals they contain, such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and copper. Refined sugar, on the other hand, has a very high glycemic index. Therefore, when consumed, it causes blood sugar levels to rise rapidly and then drop quickly. This leads to faster hunger, weight gain, and various diseases. However, natural alternative sweeteners like dates, which have a relatively low glycemic index, can help prevent this and play an important role in reducing sudden hunger.”

HONEY AND MOLASSES DETAIL

Satı also recalled that during periods when refined sugar was not used in Ottoman cuisine, chefs used alternative sweeteners such as honey and molasses when preparing güllaç. Noting that those who tasted güllaç made with date juice found it interesting, Satı said, “Compared to güllaç prepared with refined sugar, it leaves a slightly less sweet taste on the palate. Its appearance is somewhat brown due to the use of date juice, but in terms of flavor, it still satisfies those who love güllaç.”

“CAN ALSO BE USED IN MILK-BASED DESSERTS”

Stating that date juice can be easily prepared at home, Satı added that it can also be used conveniently and healthily in other milk-based desserts. Satı mentioned that they encourage students to develop dessert recipes using healthier and more natural sweeteners. Concluding his remarks, Satı said: “We want to instill this philosophy in our students. Rather than strictly following classical recipes, we aim to help them improve themselves and show them how traditional recipes can be transformed into healthier, more functional forms of nutrition. This is extremely valuable both for health and nutrition.”