Photo of Turkish Delight (Lokum)

Turkish Delight (Lokum)

A family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar.

Prep Time

15 minutes (plus setting time)

Cook Time

1 hour

Total Time

1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty

Hard

Skills Required

Candy Making, Temperature Control

Ingredients & Nutrition

100 kcal

Calories

0g

Protein

0g

Fat

25g

Carbs

0g

Fiber

20g

Sugar

5mg

Sodium

  • 4 cups Sugar
  • 1 cup Cornstarch
  • 4 1/2 cups Water
  • 1 tsp Cream of Tartar
  • 2 tbsp Rosewater or other flavoring
  • a few drops (optional) Food Coloring
  • for dusting Powdered Sugar

Let AI Suggest Variations

  • Add chopped nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts.
  • Use different flavorings like orange blossom water, lemon, or mint.
  • Roll the finished cubes in shredded coconut.
  • Add dried fruit like apricots or cranberries.

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring sugar, 1 1/2 cups of water, and cream of tartar to a boil. Simmer until it reaches the "soft ball" stage (240°F / 115°C).

2. In a separate pot, whisk cornstarch with the remaining 3 cups of water until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

3. Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly.

4. Simmer on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is a pale golden color.

5. Stir in the flavoring and food coloring.

6. Pour into an oiled and powdered sugar-dusted baking dish. Let it set for several hours or overnight.

7. Cut into cubes and dust with more powdered sugar.