How to Make Turkish Delight

Soft, powdery and fragrant, Turkish delight tantalizes the senses.

Rising to the occasion in response to the sultan's challenge to procure him soft sweetmeats, a confectioner tinkered with some sugar and cornstarch and came up with the recipe for lokum, or Turkish delight. Ever since, it has given post-prandial delight and everyday indulgence to confectionery aficionados around the globe, who revel in the chewy soft texture and underlying aromatic flavors of this treat from the Middle East. You may choose to use gelatin or not, or vary the use of colors, additions and flavorings to the Turkish delight according to your fancy.

Things You'll Need

• 2 saucepans
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 cups water
• 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
• Candy thermometer
• 2/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
• 1/2 to 1 tbsp. rosewater, to taste
• 1/3 cup or more confectioners sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped, toasted pistachio nuts
• Red food coloring (optional)
• small loaf or square baking pan
• knife
• storage container

Instructions

1. Place the sugar, 3/4 cup water and lemon juice in a saucepan and stir on low heat until the sugar dissolves. Be sure to get the sugar that adheres to the sides of the pan, as well.

2. Bring to a boil, watching the mixture until it reaches the softball stage, or 240 F on your candy thermometer.

3. Remove from the heat.

4. Take 1/2 cup of the cornstarch, cream of tartar and 1/2 cup of cold water and combine them in a saucepan. Boil 1 cup of water and add it to the cornstarch slurry.

5. Simmer the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly, until thickened.

6. Bring the two mixtures together and cook for one hour and 15 minutes while stirring occasionally. Look for a pale color. Remove from heat.

7. Add flavorings, whether the rosewater and food coloring and nuts, or other substitutes.

8. Grease your baking pan and pour the mixture into it. Let harden for 12 hours.

9. Cut the confection into small squares using an oiled knife.

10. Mix the confectioners sugar with the remaining cornstarch and dust it onto a clean surface. Roll the pieces of Turkish delight in the sugar and store any extra pieces for future use in a tightly sealed container.

References

• Turkey Travel Planner: Turkish Delight (Lokum)
• Recipe Source: Turkish Delight
• The Turkish Cuisine: Turkish Delight
• English Tea Store: History of Turkish Delight