Homemade Turkish Delight Recipe

Recipes

Homemade Turkish Delight Recipe

Ingredients:

Sugar Syrup:

  • 4 cups (800g) sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Cornstarch Paste:

  • 1 cup (125g) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • 2 cups water

Flavoring and Color:

  • 1 1/2 tbsp rose water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 drops pink or red food coloring

Finishing:

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

  1. Pan Preparation:
    • Grease and line an 8×8-inch metal pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease the parchment as well. Set aside.
  2. Sugar Syrup:
    • In a medium saucepan (2-quart size), combine sugar, lemon juice, zest, and 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat, bring to a boil covered for 5 minutes, then uncover and continue boiling until the syrup reaches 240°F to 250°F, about 7-10 minutes.
  3. Cornstarch Paste:
    • While the syrup is boiling, whisk together cornstarch, cream of tartar, and 2 cups of water in a large pot (4-quart size) over medium heat until a thick paste forms, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Combine Syrup and Paste:
    • Once syrup reaches the correct temperature, slowly add it to the cornstarch paste, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  5. Cook the Mixture:
    • Return the pot to a high heat until it begins to bubble, then reduce to low. Let it simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring frequently. The mixture should darken slightly and become thick enough to see the bottom of the pot when stirred.
  6. Flavor and Color:
    • Stir in the vanilla extract, rose water, and food coloring until evenly distributed. Remove from heat.
  7. Mold and Set:
    • Pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Let it set uncovered overnight in a dry area.
  8. Cut and Finish:
    • Mix 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a large bowl. Dust a surface with some of this mixture, unmold the Turkish delight onto it, then sprinkle more on top. Cut into 36 squares using an oiled pizza cutter. Toss each square in the cornstarch and sugar mixture.
  9. Store:
    • Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.

This traditional Turkish delight recipe yields a fragrant, chewy sweet treat, perfect for sharing or gifting.