A Rolled Walnut-Hazelnut Pastry from the Black Sea
Koca Karı Gerdanı, also known as "burma," holds an important place in Samsun's regional dessert culture as a syrup-soaked rolled pastry. It is made by rolling thin phyllo sheets tightly around crushed walnuts or hazelnuts, sugar and butter, then baking and soaking the rolls in syrup - its name referring to its coiled, folded appearance.
Preparation
Phyllo sheets are brushed with butter and sprinkled with a mixture of crushed walnuts or hazelnuts and sugar, then tightly rolled and cut into small pieces. Arranged on a tray, they are baked until golden, and cold syrup is poured over them while still hot, then left to rest and absorb it.
Serving
Served cooled, the dessert is typically garnished with shredded coconut or crushed pistachios, and in some places accompanied by kaymak (clotted cream) or ice cream. A popular choice for holiday tables and hosting guests, Koca Karı Gerdanı reflects the Black Sea region's abundance of walnuts and hazelnuts.