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Authentic Turkish Delight Recipe

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5 from 84 reviews

Authentic Turkish Delight, or Lokum, is a traditional confection made from sugar syrup and cornstarch, flavored with delicate rosewater and colored with red food coloring. This soft, chewy treat is dusted in a mixture of cornstarch and powdered sugar for the perfect finish. Enjoy a piece of Turkish heritage with this classic, homemade delight that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

Lokum Base

  • 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

For Cutting and Dredging

  • Cornstarch (for dusting)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Syrup: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup water, and ¼ teaspoon citric acid. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Then reduce heat to low and simmer until the syrup reaches 250°F (121°C) or the soft ball stage when tested in cold water, using a candy thermometer for accuracy.
  2. Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture: In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together 8 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 ⅓ cups water until smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Combine Syrup and Cornstarch Mixture: Carefully pour the cornstarch mixture into the hot syrup while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk the combined mixture over medium-low heat until it thickens and turns into a smooth, thick paste, which may take 10-15 minutes.
  4. Cook the Lokum: Reduce the heat to low. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook the mixture for an additional 1-2 hours until it reaches a dough-like consistency.
  5. Flavor and Shape the Lokum: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons rosewater and 9-10 drops red food coloring evenly throughout the mixture. Transfer the lokum to a greased baking dish or mold and let it cool completely at room temperature, ideally overnight, for the best texture.
  6. Cut and Coat: Dust a cutting board generously with cornstarch. Invert the cooled lokum onto the board and cut into desired shapes such as cubes or diamonds. Then dredge each piece in a mixture of cornstarch and powdered sugar to coat evenly and prevent sticking.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to ensure perfect texture.
  • Citric acid is essential for balancing the sweetness and preventing crystallization.
  • Rosewater gives the authentic floral flavor characteristic of Turkish delight, but you can experiment with other flavorings like orange blossom water if desired.
  • Allow the lokum to cool thoroughly before cutting to ensure clean, neat shapes.
  • Store the finished Turkish delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
  • Dredging the pieces well with cornstarch and powdered sugar prevents them from sticking together.

Keywords: Turkish Delight, Lokum, Rosewater Candy, Traditional Turkish Dessert, Homemade Candy, Soft Confection

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/authentic-turkish-delight-recipe/