Description
Authentic Turkish Delight, also known as Lokum, is a traditional sweet treat with a delicate rose flavor and a soft, chewy texture. This recipe involves cooking a sugar syrup to the perfect stage and incorporating cornstarch to create a delightful gel, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking. Suitable for gifting or enjoying with Turkish coffee, this guide ensures authentic results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
For Lokum:
- 350 g (scant 2 cups) white sugar
- 175 ml (3/4 cup) water (for syrup)
- 1.8 g (1/4 teaspoon) citric acid
- 70 g (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon) cornstarch
- 500 ml (2 cups + 5 teaspoons) water (for cornstarch)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons rosewater
- 10 drops red food color
For Cutting:
- 30 g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
For Dredging:
- 80 g (2/3 cup) cornstarch
- 45 g (1/3 cup) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Syrup: Add the sugar, citric acid, and 175 ml water into a heavy-bottomed pan and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cook Syrup to Hard Ball Stage: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Using a candy thermometer, cook the syrup until it reaches 250°F (hard ball stage), which should take about 15-30 minutes depending on your stove and altitude.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: While the syrup cooks, mix 70 g cornstarch with 500 ml water in a jar or bowl. Shake or whisk vigorously until no lumps remain to create a smooth slurry.
- Combine Syrup and Cornstarch: Once the syrup reaches the required temperature, turn off the heat and gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry into the syrup to prevent lumps.
- Thicken Mixture: Turn the heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens into a gel-like consistency, which takes a few minutes.
- Simmer and Stir: Lower heat to a gentle simmer. Stir the thickened mixture every 6-7 minutes to avoid sticking and splattering. Continue simmering for 1 to 2 hours until it achieves a medium-dark amber color and a thick but not overly gloopy texture. Stir more frequently (about every 2 minutes) toward the end as the mixture nears completion.
- Prepare Mold: Lightly oil a container about 5 x 7 inches in size (surface area less than 35 square inches) to prevent sticking. Alternatively, line with plastic wrap but expect creases.
- Add Flavor and Color: Turn off the heat, add 1 1/2 teaspoons rosewater and 10 drops red food coloring to the mixture, and stir well. Pour the mixture into the prepared mold.
- Set Turkish Delight: Allow the Turkish delight to set at room temperature for at least 5 hours, preferably a full day if the environment is warm or humid.
- Cut Turkish Delight: The next day, sprinkle 30 g cornstarch over the surface of the set Lokum in the container. Cut a strip from the edge, then carefully remove the entire slab. Dust it again with cornstarch and cut into approximately 40 1-inch cubes.
- Dredge Cubes: Toss the cubes in a mixture of 80 g cornstarch and 45 g powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Serve: For an authentic experience, serve Turkish delight alongside Turkish coffee and water. It also pairs well sandwiched between plain biscuits like Biscoff. Enjoy or gift as a special treat.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately monitor syrup temperature; adjust for altitude (e.g., in Denver, aim for 240°F).
- Be gentle when stirring after gelation to avoid breaking down starch chains and thinning the mixture.
- The mold size should keep the Turkish delight layer thick enough; too large a surface area yields a thin set.
- Plastic wrap helps in removal but may cause creases; oiling is preferred for a smooth surface.
- Store leftover Turkish delight in refrigerator covered with leftover cornstarch and powdered sugar mix. Bring to room temperature before serving. Consume within two weeks.
- Each 1-inch cube contains approximately 45 calories, mostly from carbohydrates.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cube (~15 g)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
