How to Make Traditional Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Turkish Delight (known as Lokum in Turkey) is a classic, chewy, and sweet treat flavored with rosewater, lemon, or pistachios. Making it at home requires a bit of patience but results in a delightful and authentic dessert.
Ingredients:
4 cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups water
1 tsp lemon juice
1 cup cornstarch
1 tsp cream of tartar
2 ¾ cups water (for cornstarch mixture)
1 tbsp rosewater or lemon extract (optional)
Food coloring (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar
½ cup cornstarch (for dusting)
Optional: chopped nuts (pistachios or walnuts)
Instructions:
Prepare the Sugar Syrup
In a saucepan, combine 4 cups of sugar, 1 ½ cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until it reaches a temperature of about 240°F (115°C), or until the syrup forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water.
Turn off the heat and set the syrup aside.
Make the Cornstarch Mixture
In a separate large pot, mix 1 cup of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
Gradually add 2 ¾ cups of water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and becomes a paste-like consistency.
Combine Syrup and Cornstarch Paste
Gradually pour the sugar syrup into the thickened cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously.
Reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture for 60-90 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes. The mixture will thicken and become stretchy.
Flavor and Color
Once the mixture thickens, add 1 tablespoon of rosewater or lemon extract for flavor. You can also add a few drops of food coloring for the desired color.
Stir well to incorporate the flavor and color evenly.
Optional Add-ins
If you want to include nuts (like chopped pistachios or walnuts), gently fold them into the mixture.
Set the Turkish Delight
Grease a square or rectangular pan (9x9 inch or similar size) with a little oil or line it with plastic wrap.
Pour the Turkish delight mixture into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Let it sit at room temperature for at least 6 hours or overnight to firm up.
Cut and Dust
Once set, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with ½ cup of cornstarch in a shallow dish.
Remove the Turkish delight from the pan and cut it into small cubes with a sharp knife.
Roll each piece in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to prevent sticking.
Store and Serve
Store Turkish delight in an airtight container at room temperature, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Serve the Turkish delight with tea or coffee for an authentic experience.
