Dairy-Free Traditional Turkish Delight
Indulge in the timeless elegance of Dairy-Free Traditional Turkish Delight, a delightful confection inspired by the rich heritage of Turkish sweets. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms simple pantry staples like granulated sugar, cornstarch, and rosewater into soft, chewy cubes bursting with floral flavor and a hint of citrusy brightness from lemon juice. Free of dairy and featuring the option to add a dash of food coloring, this versatile treat is perfect for accommodating dietary preferences while maintaining its classic charm. With minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process, these homemade delights are perfect for gifting, serving at gatherings, or enjoying with a hot cup of tea. Dust them generously with a blend of powdered sugar and cornstarch for that signature finish, and elevate your dessert game with this captivating, dairy-free twist on a beloved Turkish tradition!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams granulated sugar
- 300 milliliters water
- 100 grams cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons rosewater
- 2 drops optional food coloring (e.g., pink for rose)
- 50 grams powdered sugar
- 50 grams extra cornstarch for dusting
Instructions
Grease an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square baking dish with a light layer of oil and line it with parchment paper. Set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, 150 milliliters of water, and lemon juice. Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Use a candy thermometer and allow the mixture to reach 115°C (240°F), also known as the 'soft ball stage.' Remove from heat.
In a separate large saucepan or pot, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining 150 milliliters of water until smooth and free of lumps.
Place the pot with the cornstarch mixture over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until it thickens into a paste. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
Gradually add the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch paste, one ladleful at a time, while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth mixture.
Once all the syrup has been incorporated, reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture for another 40-50 minutes, stirring frequently with a heatproof spatula. The mixture should become thick, glossy, and pale golden in color.
Stir in the rosewater and food coloring (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight until fully set.
Once the Turkish Delight has set, combine the powdered sugar and extra cornstarch in a bowl. Dust a clean surface with some of this mixture.
Invert the Turkish Delight onto the dusted surface and peel off the parchment paper. Cut it into small squares using a greased knife, periodically dusting the knife to prevent sticking.
Toss the cut pieces in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to ensure they are fully coated.
Store the Turkish Delight in an airtight container at room temperature, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Enjoy your homemade dairy-free treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2293 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 19 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 587.7 g | 214% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 449.3 g | ||
| Protein | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 22 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 19 mg | 0% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
