Description
Authentic Turkish Delight is a traditional chewy confection made from simple ingredients including sugar, cornstarch, and fragrant flavorings like rosewater. This recipe yields soft, chewy cubes dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for gifting or enjoying alongside Turkish coffee or herbal tea. Customize with nuts, fruit flavors, or spices for a unique personal touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup water (divided)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or cream of tartar)
- 1 cup cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 tablespoon rosewater or orange blossom water
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional – pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Your Equipment: Line a square pan (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper and dust it generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Measure and have all ingredients ready for smooth processing.
- Mix Sugar and Water: In a heavy saucepan, combine granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, and fresh lemon juice. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch into 3/4 cup cold water until fully dissolved to create a smooth slurry that will thicken the Turkish Delight.
- Combine and Cook: Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly. Transfer the combined mixture back to the stove and simmer gently over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid lumps, until it thickens into a glossy, gel-like consistency (about 20-30 minutes).
- Add Flavorings and Nuts: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in rosewater (or chosen flavoring) and folded in chopped nuts if using. Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Allow to Set: Cover the pan and let the Turkish Delight sit at room temperature for at least 4-6 hours or preferably overnight until firm and set.
- Cut and Dust: Once fully set, dust the top with powdered sugar. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut into small cubes. Toss the cubes in more powdered sugar to coat all sides and prevent sticking.
Notes
- Slow simmering is essential to achieving a glossy, non-grainy texture.
- Stir consistently to prevent lumps from forming.
- Test for doneness by checking if the mixture holds shape on a spoon and is thick yet pliable.
- Don’t skip dusting with powdered sugar to avoid sticky cubes.
- Use fresh lemon juice and high-quality rosewater for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cube (about 15g)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg