Description
Rose Turkish Delight, or “lokum,” is a delicate, chewy candy flavored with fragrant rose water, offering a perfect balance of floral sweetness. This homemade recipe creates soft, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of Turkish Delight, dusted with powdered sugar. With its smooth texture and traditional flavor, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion, and it’s simple to make with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
For the gelatin and syrup:
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1 1/2 cups water (divided)
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2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
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1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon rose water (or to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for tartness)
For the starch mixture:
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1/2 cup cornstarch (plus extra for dusting)
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1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for smoother texture)
For dusting:
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
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Prepare the gelatin:
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup water with the powdered gelatin. Let it bloom for 5 minutes, allowing the gelatin to absorb the water. -
Make the syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup of water, sugar, lemon juice, and cream of tartar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes. -
Add gelatin to the syrup:
Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. -
Prepare the starch mixture:
In another bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/2 cup water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly add this to the syrup, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. -
Cook the mixture:
Return the pot to the stove on low heat. Stir continuously for 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens to a glossy, gel-like consistency. -
Add flavor:
Stir in rose water and citric acid (if using) for flavor. Adjust rose water to your preference. -
Set the Turkish Delight:
Grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish with vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish and smooth the top. Let it cool at room temperature or refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set. -
Cut and dust with powdered sugar:
Once set, dust a surface with powdered sugar. Turn the Turkish Delight out and cut it into squares or diamonds. Dust each piece with more powdered sugar. -
Serve:
Serve the Turkish Delight immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
Flavor variations: Swap rose water for orange blossom water, lavender, or vanilla for different flavor profiles.Add-ins: Add chopped pistachios, hazelnuts, or dried fruits like apricots for extra texture and flavor. Coloring: Tint with food coloring for a vibrant presentation.
