About this Dish
Chewy, fragrant gel candy dusted in powdered sugar, flavored with rose or citrus.
History & Origin
Turkish delight (lokum) dates to the late 18th-century Ottoman court, credited to confectioner Bekir Effendi, whose shop still operates in Istanbul today.
IngredientsServes 3
💧Water, 500ml divided
🍬Granulated sugar, 400g
🌿Cornstarch, 100g plus extra for dusting
🌹Rose water, 2 tablespoons
🍋Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon
🎨Pink food coloring, a few drops (optional)
🫙Cream of tartar, half teaspoon
🍚Powdered sugar, 100g for coating
Method
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon juice, cream of tartar, and 250ml of the water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves, then stop stirring and let it boil until it reaches 127°C (260°F) on a candy thermometer — this takes about 15 minutes.2
In a separate saucepan, whisk the cornstarch into the remaining 250ml of cold water until no lumps remain. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a stiff, paste-like gel, about 5 minutes.3
Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch paste in a thin, steady stream, stirring vigorously the whole time. Once combined, reduce the heat to very low and cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for 45 minutes until it turns pale golden and pulls away from the sides of the pan.4
Stir in the rose water and a few drops of pink food coloring if using. Pour the mixture into a lightly oiled 20cm square baking tin lined with oiled cling film, smoothing the top with a wet spatula.5
Leave to set at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight — do not refrigerate as this makes it weep moisture. Once fully set, the candy should be firm and hold its shape when you press it.6
Mix the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a bowl. Turn the set candy onto a surface dusted generously with this mixture and cut into small cubes using an oiled knife. Toss all the pieces thoroughly in the powdered sugar mixture to coat every side so they don't stick together.7
Store in an airtight container layered with more of the powdered sugar coating at room temperature for up to two weeks. Serve as a sweet treat with Turkish tea.User Reviews
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