Goynuk Zucchini Phyllo Dessert


Product Description and Distinctive Features:

Göynük Kabaklı Yufka Tatlısı (Göynük Pumpkin Filo Pastry Dessert) is a traditional sweet made with a flavorful mixture of pumpkin, dried onions, powdered sugar, vegetable oil, dried mint, and a pinch of salt. This filling is layered between two sheets of filo pastry and either baked in a clay tray or assembled between pre-cooked filo layers.

After baking, the pastry is cut into triangular portions, which are then generously drizzled with a sweet milk-based syrup. Finally, the triangles are rolled into cylindrical shapes and traditionally served in copper dishes for an authentic touch.

Goynuk Zucchini Phyllo Dessert

Göynük Kabaklı Yufka Tatlısı can be prepared in two traditional styles: one involves layering the pumpkin filling directly between fresh filo sheets and baking the entire dish, while the other method bakes each filo layer individually before assembling them with the filling to form a multi-layered dessert.

What makes this dessert stand out are its distinct ingredients—including onion, mint, and sweetened milk syrup—which come together to create a unique flavor profile. Once the syrup is poured over the dessert, the triangular pieces are rolled into cylindrical forms and served in copper bowls, highlighting the special culinary heritage and visual appeal of Göynük cuisine.

Production Method:

Dough Ingredients: Wheat flour, egg, salt, and water
Filling: Pumpkin, dried onions, powdered sugar, vegetable oil, dried mint, and salt
Syrup: Milk, powdered sugar, and butter

Filling Preparation:
Begin by peeling and cleaning around 3–4 kg of pumpkin. Meanwhile, finely dice 1 medium dried onion and sauté it in a pan with 1 cup (approximately 100 ml) of vegetable oil until golden. Add the grated pumpkin to the pan and continue sautéing. While cooking, mix in around 300 g of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Once the pumpkin softens completely, remove from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add around 4 tablespoons of dried mint to the mixture. The filling is now ready to be placed between the layers of filo pastry.

Dough Preparation:
In a mixing bowl, combine 250 g of wheat flour with 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of water. Knead the mixture for about 10–15 minutes until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal parts, let them rest for approximately 30 minutes, and then roll out each piece separately using a rolling pin. If more layers are desired, the ingredient quantities should be adjusted accordingly.

Baking the Pumpkin Filo Pastry:
There are two main ways to prepare Göynük Pumpkin Filo Pastry. In the first method, one rolled filo sheet is laid out, and the pumpkin filling is spread evenly across it. The second sheet is then placed on top, and the edges are sealed by pressing them together. This layered pastry is then cooked on a griddle. In the second method, the filo sheets are individually baked first, then stacked with the pumpkin filling layered between them. No matter which method is used, the assembled pastry is baked on a heated earthen tray. Once baked, it is moved to a round serving tray to cool. The cooled pastry is then cut into 4, 6, or 8 equal parts.

Adding the Syrup:
To prepare the syrup, combine 2 cups of milk (around 400 ml), 1 cup of powdered sugar (about 150–170 g), and half a tablespoon of butter (roughly 50 g) in a pot. Heat and stir until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform. Pour the warm syrup evenly over the sliced pumpkin filo and allow it to absorb for 10 minutes.

Serving:
Once the syrup has soaked in, the sweet slices are rolled up and presented in copper bowls according to portion size. The name "Göynük Kabaklı Yufka Tatlısı" along with the geographical indication mark is displayed either on the product, its packaging, or clearly on the menu where it is offered.