Description
This traditional Turkish Delight recipe yields soft, chewy, and fragrant rose water-infused candy cubes, perfect for a sweet treat or gift. Made with simple ingredients and a stovetop cooking technique, it’s a classic Middle Eastern dessert known as lokum, gently dusted with powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking.
Ingredients
Scale
Syrup:
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cornstarch Mixture:
- 1 1/4 cups cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 3/4 cups water
Flavoring and Finishing:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rose water
- Few drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for dusting)
Instructions
- Make Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups water, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Increase heat and bring to a boil, avoiding stirring once boiling starts. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and allow the syrup to reach 240°F (soft-ball stage). Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: In a separate large saucepan, whisk together 1 cup cornstarch, cream of tartar, and 2 3/4 cups water until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, until the mixture thickens into a glue-like, thick consistency.
- Combine Syrup and Cornstarch: Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch mixture while continuously whisking to blend smoothly without clumps.
- Simmer Mixture: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and promote even thickening, until the mixture turns golden and achieves very thick, gel-like texture.
- Add Flavor and Color: Stir in rose water for fragrance and add a few drops of red or pink food coloring if desired for traditional color.
- Set the Turkish Delight: Pour the thickened mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan, smoothing the top evenly. Allow it to set uncovered at room temperature for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to firm up.
- Cut and Dust: Once fully set, dust a cutting board with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch. Cut the Turkish Delight slab into 64 small cubes, then roll each piece in the dusting mixture to prevent sticking and add a finishing touch.
Notes
- Store Turkish Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
- For flavor variations, replace rose water with orange blossom water or add citrus zest to the mixture before setting.
- You can fold in chopped nuts such as pistachios or hazelnuts before pouring the mixture into the pan for a nutty version.
