Turkish delight, also known as lokum, is a sweet treat that has been enjoyed in Turkey for centuries. Made from sugar, water, and cornstarch, this confection is flavored with ingredients such as rosewater, orange blossom water, and lemon juice, and is often dusted with powdered sugar or coconut flakes.
While you can buy Turkish delight at local markets and shops in Turkey, making it at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some of the best Turkish delight recipes to try out:
- Classic Rosewater Turkish Delight
In a saucepan, mix together 3 cups of sugar, 1 1/2 cups of water, and 1/2 cup of cornstarch.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil.
Add 2 tablespoons of rosewater and a few drops of pink food coloring, and continue to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and let it cool for a few hours before cutting it into small squares.
- Lemon and Pistachio Turkish Delight
Follow the same basic recipe as above, but substitute lemon juice and zest for the rosewater and add a handful of chopped pistachios to the mixture before pouring it into the baking dish.
- Orange Blossom and Coconut Turkish Delight
In a saucepan, mix together 3 cups of sugar, 1 1/2 cups of water, and 1/2 cup of cornstarch.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil.
Add 2 tablespoons of orange blossom water and a handful of shredded coconut, and continue to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and let it cool for a few hours before cutting it into small squares.
Making Turkish delight at home is a great way to experience the flavors of Turkey and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Give these recipes a try and enjoy the sweet taste of lokum in the comfort of your own home.