Description
This traditional Turkish Delight recipe offers a delicate, chewy treat infused with fragrant rose water or orange blossom water, perfect for a homemade Middle Eastern dessert. With a smooth, chewy texture and a subtle floral aroma, these bite-sized cubes are dusted with a sweet powdered sugar and cornstarch coating to prevent sticking. A delightful gluten-free and vegan sweet to enjoy or gift.
Ingredients
Scale
Syrup Ingredients
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cornstarch Mixture
- 1 ¼ cups cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3 cups water
Flavoring and Finishing
- 1 tablespoon rose water or orange blossom water
- Few drops of food coloring (optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- ¼ cup additional cornstarch, for dusting
Instructions
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of sugar, 1 ½ cups of water, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil. Simmer without stirring until the syrup reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture: In a separate large saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch, cream of tartar, and remaining 3 cups of water until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glue-like.
- Combine Syrup and Cornstarch Mixture: Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes golden and very thick.
- Add Flavoring and Color: Stir in the rose water or orange blossom water and add food coloring if using, mixing well to combine.
- Set the Turkish Delight: Line an 8×8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Pour the mixture into the dish and smooth the top. Let it sit uncovered at room temperature for at least 6 hours or overnight until firmly set.
- Cut and Coat: Dust a work surface with powdered sugar and cornstarch. Turn the set Turkish delight onto it, cut into small cubes with an oiled knife, and toss each piece in the powdered sugar-cornstarch mix to coat completely. Serve or store as desired.
Notes
- Store Turkish delight in an airtight container at room temperature with extra powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Avoid refrigeration as it may cause sweating and loss of texture.
- Optional: Add chopped pistachios or walnuts to the mixture for a nutty variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
