Traditional Turkish Delight

Indulge in the timeless allure of **Traditional Turkish Delight**, a classic Middle Eastern confection that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Made with a delicate combination of sugar, cornstarch, and aromatic rose water, this recipe produces soft, chewy cubes of sweetness with a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. For a twist, sprinkle in chopped pistachios or walnuts, adding a delightful crunch to each bite. A gentle pink hue from optional food coloring gives these treats their signature charm, while a light dusting of powdered sugar ensures they're irresistibly tempting. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or gifting during special occasions, this homemade Turkish Delight is a delightful labor of love that’s worth every step.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 30

Ingredients

• 400 grams sugar
• 100 grams cornstarch
• 500 milliliters water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons rose water
• 0 food coloring (optional)
• 50 grams powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (optional, for extra firmness)
• 50 grams pistachios or walnuts (optional, chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with a light coating of neutral oil, then line it with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper lightly as well. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, 200 ml of water, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3

Once dissolved, increase the heat and bring to a gentle boil. Cover and let it boil steadily for about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the lid, and using a candy thermometer, continue boiling until the syrup reaches the soft ball stage (115°C/240°F). This should take around 15 minutes.

Step 5

In another pot, mix the cornstarch, gelatin (if using), and remaining 300 ml of water thoroughly until smooth. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture is thick and begins to bubble.

Step 6

Gradually and carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up.

Step 7

Reduce the heat and stir continuously as the mixture simmers for about 45 minutes, or until it becomes thick, pale, and gelatinous.

Step 8

Stir in the rose water and food coloring, if using, until uniformly mixed. For variety, you may add chopped nuts at this stage, stirring well to incorporate.

Step 9

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Step 10

Allow the Turkish Delight to cool at room temperature for several hours or overnight until fully set.

Step 11

Once set, sift the powdered sugar onto a work surface. Invert the Turkish Delight onto the powdered sugar and peel off the parchment. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, cleaning it frequently to maintain clean cuts.

Step 12

Toss each piece in the powdered sugar to coat all sides. Store in an airtight container with a layer of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1156.3 grams (1156.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2477

Total Fat 24.60g	32%
Saturated Fat 2.70g	14%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 35mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate 554.90g	202%
Dietary Fiber 6.30g	23%
Total Sugars 452.00g
Protein 13.70g	27%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 91mg	7%
Iron 3mg	15%
Potassium 548mg	12%

*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: 8.9%

Protein: 2.2%

Carbs: 88.9%