Traditional Turkish Delight
Indulge in the sweet, aromatic charm of Traditional Turkish Delight, a beloved confection that has graced tables for centuries. This authentic recipe combines simple ingredients like sugar, cornstarch, and rose water to create delicate, chewy cubes bursting with floral flavor. With optional additions like chopped pistachios or walnuts and a hint of food coloring for a whimsical touch, these treats are as customizable as they are irresistible. Crafted with care over a slow simmer and dusted generously with powdered sugar, the result is a soft yet firm delicacy that melts in your mouth. Perfect for gifting or serving alongside tea, this recipe for Turkish Delight transforms your kitchen into a portal to the bustling bazaars of Turkey, showcasing the timeless appeal of this confectionary classic.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams sugar
- 100 grams cornstarch
- 500 milliliters water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons rose water
- food coloring (optional)
- 50 grams powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (optional, for extra firmness)
- 50 grams pistachios or walnuts (optional, chopped)
Instructions
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with a light coating of neutral oil, then line it with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper lightly as well. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, 200 ml of water, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Once dissolved, increase the heat and bring to a gentle boil. Cover and let it boil steadily for about 5 minutes.
Remove the lid, and using a candy thermometer, continue boiling until the syrup reaches the soft ball stage (115°C/240°F). This should take around 15 minutes.
In another pot, mix the cornstarch, gelatin (if using), and remaining 300 ml of water thoroughly until smooth. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture is thick and begins to bubble.
Gradually and carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up.
Reduce the heat and stir continuously as the mixture simmers for about 45 minutes, or until it becomes thick, pale, and gelatinous.
Stir in the rose water and food coloring, if using, until uniformly mixed. For variety, you may add chopped nuts at this stage, stirring well to incorporate.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
Allow the Turkish Delight to cool at room temperature for several hours or overnight until fully set.
Once set, sift the powdered sugar onto a work surface. Invert the Turkish Delight onto the powdered sugar and peel off the parchment. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, cleaning it frequently to maintain clean cuts.
Toss each piece in the powdered sugar to coat all sides. Store in an airtight container with a layer of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2477 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.6 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 35 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 554.9 g | 202% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 452.0 g | ||
| Protein | 13.7 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 91 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 548 mg | 12% | |
*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.
