Description
This authentic Turkish Delight recipe creates a soft, chewy candy infused with rosewater, raspberry, and orange extracts, offering a delightful balance of floral and citrus flavors. Enriched with optional pistachios for a nutty crunch, this homemade treat is perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 ¼ cups water (divided)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cups cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Flavorings & Extras
- 2 tablespoons rosewater (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoon raspberry extract
- 1 ½ teaspoon orange extract
- 4–6 drops red food coloring (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios (optional)
For Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Equipment: Set two large 4-6 quart stock pots on the stovetop. Attach a candy thermometer to one pot. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with foil and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cook Sugar Syrup: In the pot with the thermometer, combine 4 cups of granulated sugar and 1 ½ cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat and continue boiling until the sugar syrup reaches 240°F, monitoring temperature carefully.
- Make Cornstarch Paste: In the second pot, whisk together the remaining 2 ¾ cups water, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cream of tartar until smooth with no lumps. Heat over high heat while continuously whisking until the mixture thickens into a thick white paste resembling petroleum jelly.
- Combine Syrup and Paste: Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the thickened cornstarch paste a little at a time, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Assistance is helpful at this step for safety and thorough mixing.
- Simmer Mixture: Return the pot to medium heat and simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns a thick golden-orange jelly consistency.
- Add Flavors and Color: Remove from heat. Stir in rosewater, raspberry extract, orange extract, and salt. Add the red food coloring if desired. Mix well.
- Prepare Candy in Pan: Pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Quickly sprinkle chopped pistachios evenly over the surface, then immediately pour the remaining candy mixture on top before it thickens. Alternatively, pistachios can be mixed directly into the candy for an even distribution. Two people can handle this step more smoothly.
- Chill Candy: Refrigerate the dish for 30 to 60 minutes until the candy is firm.
- Cut into Pieces: Remove the chilled candy from the dish by lifting the foil. Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut the candy into approximately 100 small squares.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Add powdered sugar to the empty baking dish. Shake the candy pieces in the powdered sugar to coat them thoroughly on all sides.
- Store and Serve: The Turkish Delight will be firm when chilled but will soften as it reaches room temperature. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use two sets of hands during syrup mixing and pouring for safety and ease.
- The candy thickens quickly once off the heat, so work fast when pouring into the pan.
- Powdered sugar coating helps prevent sticking of the pieces.
- Optional additions like pistachios add texture and a traditional touch.
- Adjust extracts and food coloring to your flavor and color preferences.
- Store Turkish Delight in a cool, dry place and consume within a week for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Keywords: Turkish Delight, Lokum, homemade candy, rosewater, pistachios, traditional Turkish dessert, chewy candy
