Rahat Al Holqum

Indulge in the timeless Middle Eastern treat, Rahat Al Holqum—more commonly known as Turkish Delight. This fragrant, melt-in-your-mouth confection boasts a silky texture achieved through a delicate balance of cornstarch and sugar, cooked slowly to perfection. Infused with aromatic rosewater and tinted with a pop of crimson from food coloring, this recipe offers a hint of tradition with every bite. Optional pistachios add a delightful crunch, making it both visually stunning and irresistibly satisfying. Coated in a light dusting of powdered sugar and cornstarch, these sweet cubes are the epitome of elegance, perfect for gifting or as a charming after-dinner treat. With minimal ingredients and a rewarding process, Rahat Al Holqum is a homemade delight worth savoring and sharing.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 400 g Granulated sugar
• 300 ml Water
• 90 g Cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 2 tsp Rosewater
• 2 drops Red food coloring
• 100 g Powdered sugar
• 50 g Additional cornstarch (for dusting)
• 50 g Pistachios (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare an 8 x 8-inch (20 x 20 cm) square pan by lightly oiling it and lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 200 g of granulated sugar, 150 ml of water, and the lemon juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Turn the heat to low and let it gently simmer while preparing the next step.

Step 3

In a second saucepan, whisk the remaining 150 ml of water with 90 g of cornstarch until smooth. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a paste-like consistency.

Step 4

Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup from the first pan into the cornstarch mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Combine thoroughly.

Step 5

Cook the combined mixture over low heat for 40–45 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to prevent it from sticking to the pan. The mixture should thicken significantly and turn a golden color as it cooks.

Step 6

Once the mixture is ready, stir in the rosewater and food coloring (and pistachios if you're using them). Mix well to incorporate.

Step 7

Pour the thickened mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Let it sit at room temperature for 4–6 hours or until completely set.

Step 8

In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the additional cornstarch. Dust a clean work surface with some of this mixture.

Step 9

Once set, turn the Turkish Delight out onto the dusted surface. Using a sharp knife lightly oiled, cut it into small cubes.

Step 10

Roll each cube in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to coat evenly. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1019.4 grams (1019.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2733

Total Fat 23.30g	30%
Saturated Fat 2.70g	14%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 19mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate 644.30g	234%
Dietary Fiber 6.20g	22%
Total Sugars 501.70g
Protein 11.00g	22%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 76mg	6%
Iron 3mg	14%
Potassium 540mg	11%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 7.4%

Protein: 1.6%

Carbs: 91.0%