Name: Authentic Turkish Delight Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup water; ¼ teaspoon citric acid; 8 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 ⅓ cups water; 2 teaspoons rosewater; 9-10 drops red food coloring; Cornstarch (for dusting); Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Introduction

Authentic Turkish Delight, or Lokum, is a soft, fragrant confection that melts in your mouth. This classic treat features delicate rosewater flavor and a chewy texture dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for sharing or enjoying with tea.

The image shows a tall stack of pink Turkish delight cubes dusted with white powdered sugar. Each cube has a soft, slightly translucent texture with a smooth surface, and the powdered sugar lightly coats the edges. The stack is arranged in a pyramidal shape on a small white plate, which has a few scattered powdered sugar granules around its base. The background is a white marbled texture, creating a clean and bright setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup water
¼ teaspoon citric acid
8 tablespoons cornstarch
2 ⅓ cups water
2 teaspoons rosewater
9-10 drops red food coloring
Cornstarch (for dusting)
Powdered sugar (for dredging)

Instructions

Step 1: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, ¾ cup water, and citric acid. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer until the syrup reaches 250°F (121°C) or forms a soft ball stage when dropped into cold water. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 8 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 ⅓ cups water until smooth to prepare the cornstarch mixture.
Step 3: Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the hot syrup, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 1-2 hours until the mixture reaches a thick, dough-like consistency.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in rosewater and red food coloring. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish or mold and allow to cool completely at room temperature, preferably overnight.
Step 6: Dust a cutting board with cornstarch. Invert the cooled Lokum onto the board and cut into cubes or diamonds. Dredge each piece in a mixture of cornstarch and powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Tips & Variations

Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise syrup temperature for the perfect texture.
Substitute rosewater with orange blossom water or lemon essence for different flavors.
For colorful variety, omit food coloring or use different shades and add nuts like pistachios or walnuts.

Storage

Store Turkish Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can cause the texture to change. If pieces become sticky, dust again with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a woman's hand holding a red jelly candy cube coated with fine white powder. Below, there is a small stack of similar jelly cubes wrapped in powder on a clear glass plate. The background is a white marbled texture, which contrasts with the bright red and soft matte finish of the jelly cubes. The overall scene captures the chewy texture and vibrant color of the candy with soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Turkish Delight without a candy thermometer?

While possible, it is challenging to get the right syrup consistency without one. The soft ball stage is best tested by dropping syrup into cold water to see if it forms a soft ball that can be pressed but is not sticky.

Why does my Turkish Delight turn out too sticky?

Sticky Lokum often means the syrup was not cooked to the proper temperature or the cornstarch mixture wasn’t thickened enough. Make sure to cook until the mixture is dough-like and dust the pieces thoroughly with cornstarch and powdered sugar.