Description
A sweet, chewy treat made from starch and sugar, Turkish Delight is a classic Middle Eastern confection often flavored with rosewater, lemon, or orange blossom and dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup cornstarch
1 tsp cream of tartar
4 ½ cups water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 ½ tbsp rosewater (or orange blossom water)
Red or pink food coloring (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
½ cup chopped pistachios or hazelnuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Grease an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, combine sugar, lemon juice, and 1 ½ cups water. Bring to a boil over medium heat until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage).
3. In another pot, mix cornstarch, cream of tartar, and 3 cups water. Whisk constantly over medium heat until thick and gluey.
4. Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the starch mixture, stirring constantly.
5. Simmer the combined mixture over low heat for 1 hour, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
6. Stir in rosewater, food coloring, and optional nuts, then pour into the prepared pan and let set for 6+ hours or overnight.
7. Once firm, cut into cubes and toss in powdered sugar to coat.
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature with layers separated by wax paper.
Notes
Use a candy thermometer to avoid overcooking.
You can swap rosewater with orange blossom for a different flavor.
Avoid humidity for best results when storing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Turkish Delight, Lokum, homemade candy