How to Make Turkish Delight - A Step-by-Step Guide

Turkish Delight, also known as Lokum, is a sweet confection that has been enjoyed for centuries in Turkey and throughout the Middle East. This delectable treat has a soft, chewy texture and is often flavored with rose water, mastic, or various fruits and nuts. It is typically dusted with powdered sugar or coconut flakes to add a delicate sweetness.

The origins of Turkish Delight can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was enjoyed by royalty and nobility. The confection was ...

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons orange zest
  • 3 (.25 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup chopped pistachio nuts
  • confectioners' sugar for dusting

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 servings

  • Bring 1 1/2 cups water, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 240 degrees F (115 degrees C) on a candy thermometer. Set aside and keep hot.
  • Stir together orange juice and orange zest, sprinkle with gelatin, and set aside. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 1/2 cup cold water, then stir into hot syrup. Place over medium-low heat, and simmer, stirring gently, until very thick.
  • Remove syrup from heat, stir in orange juice mixture, vanilla, and pistachios. Sprinkle a 8x8-inch pan generously with confectioners' sugar. Pour the Turkish delight into the pan, and let cool in a cool, dry place (not the refrigerator) until set, 3 to 4 hours.
  • When cool, sprinkle the top with another thick layer of powdered sugar. Cut into 1-inch squares, and dredge each well with confectioners' sugar. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
  • Nutrition

    302 cal.

    • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 0g
    • Sodium: 42mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 66g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 54g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 7mg
    • Calcium: 16mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 107mg