Heavenly Homemade Turkish Delight
Indulge in the exquisite taste of homemade Turkish Delight with this easy-to-follow recipe. This traditional confectionery is not only a delightful treat but also a versatile base to incorporate your favorite flavors, from the floral notes of rosewater to fruity variations. With a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delicate sweetness, you can serve this delicious candy at celebrations, as gifts or simply as a sweet snack. Craft your unique version by adding different flavorings or colorings, making it a perfect treat for any occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
4 cups (granulated)
water
4 1/2 cups (divided)
lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
cornstarch
1 1/4 cups (divided)
cream of tartar
1 teaspoon (powdered)
rosewater
1 1/2 tablespoons (as desired)
red food coloring
1-10 drops (optional)
confectioners' sugar
1 cup (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Prepare a 9-inch square pan by lightly oiling it, then line it with plastic wrap and oil the plastic wrap to prevent sticking.
2
In a heavy saucepan, combine 4 cups of sugar, 1 1/2 cups of water, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat and simmer without stirring until it reaches the soft-ball stage (240°F) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat.
3
In another large heavy saucepan, combine 1 cup of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of water while stirring until smooth and lump-free. Keep stirring constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens and boils, developing a gluey paste.
4
Slowly add the hot sugar syrup to the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously. Lower the heat and gently simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking, for about 1 hour until the mixture turns a pale golden color.
5
Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons of rosewater and food coloring if desired. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then let it set uncovered overnight.
6
Once set, combine 1 cup of confectioners' sugar and 1/4 cup of cornstarch on a large cutting board. Carefully turn the Turkish Delight out of the pan and use an oiled knife to cut it into 1-inch squares. Roll each piece in the sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
7
Store the Turkish Delight in an airtight container, separated by sheets of waxed paper dusted with the sugar mixture to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Homemade Turkish Delight?
It is a traditional confectionery known for its chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness, often flavored with rosewater.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The recipe requires granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, cornstarch, cream of tartar, rosewater, red food coloring, and confectioners' sugar.
What size pan should be used?
A 9-inch square pan is recommended for this recipe.
How should the pan be prepared?
Lightly oil the pan, line it with plastic wrap, and oil the plastic wrap again to prevent the candy from sticking.
How much sugar is needed for the syrup?
You will need 4 cups of granulated sugar.
How much water is required in total?
The recipe uses 4 1/2 cups of water, divided between the sugar syrup and the cornstarch mixture.
What is the purpose of lemon juice?
Two teaspoons of fresh lemon juice are added to the sugar syrup to help it reach the correct consistency.
What temperature must the sugar syrup reach?
The syrup needs to reach 240 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.
What is the soft-ball stage?
The soft-ball stage is a candy-making term for sugar syrup that has reached 240 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much cornstarch is used in the base mixture?
One cup of cornstarch is used to create the gluey paste base.
What is the purpose of cream of tartar?
One teaspoon of cream of tartar is mixed with cornstarch to help stabilize the texture of the delight.
How do you make the cornstarch paste?
Whisk 1 cup of cornstarch and cream of tartar with 3 cups of water and stir over medium heat until it becomes a thick, gluey paste.
How should the sugar syrup be added to the cornstarch?
Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously.
How long should the combined mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.
What color should the final cooked mixture be?
After simmering for an hour, the mixture should turn a pale golden color.
When do you add the rosewater flavoring?
Remove the mixture from the heat before stirring in 1 1/2 tablespoons of rosewater.
How much rosewater is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of rosewater, though you can adjust this as desired.
Can I add food coloring?
Yes, you can add 1 to 10 drops of red food coloring to achieve a pink or red hue.
How should the mixture cool initially?
Pour it into the prepared pan, smooth it out, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
How long does the Turkish Delight need to set?
The candy needs to set uncovered overnight.
What is the coating mixture made of?
The coating is a blend of 1 cup confectioners' sugar and 1/4 cup cornstarch.
How do you cut the set Turkish Delight?
Turn the candy onto a cutting board and use an oiled knife to cut it into squares.
What size should the pieces be?
The recipe suggests cutting the candy into 1-inch squares.
How do you prevent the pieces from sticking together?
Roll each individual piece in the sugar and cornstarch mixture to coat it thoroughly.
How should the finished candy be stored?
Store the pieces in an airtight container at room temperature.
Should I use waxed paper for storage?
Yes, separate the layers of candy with sheets of waxed paper dusted with the sugar mixture.
Do I need to stir the sugar syrup constantly?
Only stir until the sugar dissolves; once it begins to boil, let it simmer without stirring.
Can I use different flavors besides rosewater?
Yes, you can substitute rosewater with other floral or fruit flavorings to create unique versions.
Is this recipe good for gifts?
Absolutely, homemade Turkish Delight makes a perfect treat for celebrations or as a gift.
What is the expected texture of the candy?
It should have a chewy, soft texture that melts in your mouth.