Bici Bici Recipe: Turkish Popular Summer Dessert
Bici Bici is one of the most famous and popular summer desserts in Turkey, originating from the southern city of Adana. This simple but incredibly cool dessert, made with crushed ice, starch, sweet syrup, and rose water or aromatic spirits, is very popular on hot days of the year.
Bici Bici is not just a dessert; it is also part of Turkish street culture, especially in tropical regions. In summer, street vendors serve this dessert in large, colorful glasses, and its cool taste quickly removes the heat from the body. Turkey is famous for its delicious desserts and sweets, the most popular of which are Sutlac, Kazandibi, and Baghlava, which attract all tourists.
What is Bici Bici?
Bici Bici is a complex, no-bake frozen dessert made from a combination of starch, crushed ice, and sweet syrup. The texture of this dessert is a combination of soft jelly, ice, and syrup, and it has a mild, sweet, and very cooling taste. Unlike many heavy desserts, the Rose water dessert is light and easy to digest.
History of Bici Bici Dessert
The roots of Bici Bici go back to Adana, a city with very hot and humid summers. The people of this region were looking for a simple, cool, and accessible dessert to combat the heat. The result of this need was the birth of Turkish ice dessert. In the past, this dessert was prepared with only simple homemade ingredients, but today it is also served in cafes, ice cream shops, and even modern Turkish restaurants.
Ingredients for Bici Bici (4 people)
The rose or orange blossom water in this syrup creates a sense of relaxation and freshness, and its use is optional.
Basic Ingredients:
| Cornstarch | 2/1 cup |
| Water | 4 cups |
| Sugar | 2/1 cup |
| Rose water or orange juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Crushed ice | As needed |
| Cherry syrup, strawberry syrup, or pink syrup | As needed |
Step-by-step for Bici Bici Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the starch
Dissolve the starch in cold water until it forms no lumps, then place it on low heat and stir constantly until the mixture becomes thick and transparent.
Step 2: Cook and flavor
When the mixture reaches the consistency of porridge, add the sugar and stir until it dissolves completely. Finally, add the rose water and remove from the heat.
Step 3: Cool
Pour the prepared liquid into a flat container and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.
Step 4: Cut and serve
Cut the packed starch into small cubes and pour crushed ice into a glass or bowl, then add the starch cubes and finally pour the syrup on top.
Bici Bici (Traditional Turkish Ice Dessert)
Ingredients
Method
- Dissolve the cornstarch in cold water until smooth.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick and transparent.
- Add sugar and rose water, mix well, then remove from heat.
- Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Cut into cubes, add crushed ice, and top with syrup before serving.
Golden tips for delicious Bici Bici (No-bake dessert)
- Cherry or strawberry syrup gives a more authentic taste
- Using natural rose water multiplies the aroma of the dessert
- The starch should become completely transparent, not cloudy
- You can add a little lemon juice to balance the taste
Benefits of Bici Bici (in moderate consumption)
Strong body cooler:
The presence of ice reduces body temperature and is useful for heatstroke.
Light and low-fat:
It is free of fat and heavy ingredients and is suitable for easy digestion.
Hydrating:
The combination of water, ice, and syrup provides the body with fluids.
Suitable for summer:
An ideal dessert for hot days without feeling heavy.
Possible Disadvantages of Eating Too Much Bici Bici
High Sugar:
Consuming too much syrup can cause blood sugar to spike.
Limited Nutritional Value:
Most of its calories come from sugar and little protein or fiber.
Not Suitable for Diabetics:
Diabetics should choose a low-sugar or syrup-free version.
What to Serve Bici Bici With?
- On its own as a dessert
- After spicy Turkish dishes
- With fresh fruit
- With vanilla ice cream (modern version)
Storing Bici Bici
- The prepared starch can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Add ice and syrup only when serving
- Avoid freezing the starch
Summary
Bici Bici Turkish is one of the simplest, coolest, and most memorable Turkish desserts, made with minimal ingredients. If you are looking for a light, quick, and different summer dessert, the Bici Bici Recipe is a great choice. This dessert not only cools the body, but also gives you a taste of the culture and warm streets of Adana.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Bici Bici dessert made of?
Bici Bici is made from starch jelly, crushed ice, sweet syrup, and rose water. It is a light, no-bake Turkish summer dessert.
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Is Bici Bici a traditional Turkish dessert?
Yes, Bici Bici is a traditional dessert from Adana, Turkey, and is especially popular during hot summer months.
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Is Bici Bici healthy?
Bici Bici is low in fat and refreshing, but it contains sugar. It’s healthy when consumed in moderation, especially in hot weather.
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Can Bici Bici be made without sugar?
Yes, you can reduce or replace sugar with natural sweeteners or sugar-free syrup for a lighter version.
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How long can Bici Bici be stored?
The starch base can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but ice and syrup should be added only before serving.