Description
This Authentic Turkish Delight recipe from Narnia offers a traditional and delightful sweet treat known for its soft, gel-like texture and subtle rose flavor. Made with simple ingredients such as sugar, cornstarch, and rosewater, this delicacy is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a chewy candy dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for serving alongside Turkish coffee or gifting during festive occasions.
Ingredients
Syrup Ingredients
- 350 g (scant 2 cups) white sugar
- 175 ml (3/4 cup) water (for syrup)
- 1.8 g (1/4 teaspoon) citric acid
Cornstarch Mixture
- 70 g (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon) cornstarch
- 500 ml (2 cups + 5 teaspoons) water (for cornstarch)
Flavoring and Coloring
- 1 1/2 teaspoons rosewater
- 10 drops of red food color
Coating
- 30 g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
- 80 g (2/3 cup) cornstarch
- 45 g (1/3 cup) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Syrup: Add the sugar, citric acid, and water into a heavy-bottomed pan and stir until the sugar dissolves. This creates the base syrup for the Turkish delight.
- Cook Syrup to Hard Ball Stage: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil on high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Use a candy thermometer to monitor until the syrup reaches 250°F (hard ball stage). This typically takes 15-30 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Mix Cornstarch Slurry: While waiting for syrup readiness, combine cornstarch and water in a jar or bowl. Shake or stir vigorously until smooth with no lumps.
- Combine Syrup and Cornstarch: When syrup reaches temperature, turn off the heat. Gradually whisk in the prepared cornstarch mixture to combine thoroughly, avoiding lumps.
- Heat Cornstarch Mixture: Turn the stove to medium-low and continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken into a gel-like consistency, which happens within a few minutes.
- Simmer and Stir: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently. Stir every 6-7 minutes to prevent sticking and splattering. This slow cooking should continue for 1-2 hours until texture is thickened.
- Prepare Mold: Lightly oil a suitable container with a neutral oil to prevent sticking when setting the Turkish delight.
- Check for Doneness: The mixture will become a medium-dark amber color and have a thick, but not overly sticky, consistency. This is usually around 1 to 1.5 hours but may take up to 2 hours or more depending on various factors.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove from heat, add rosewater and red food coloring, mix thoroughly, then pour the mixture into the prepared mold. Allow it to set at room temperature for at least 5 hours, preferably overnight.
- Prep for Cutting: Next day, dust the set Turkish delight with cornstarch, then cut a strip to loosen and remove the slab from the container. Dust with more cornstarch and cut into cubes.
- Coat the Cubes: Toss the cubes in a mixture of cornstarch and powdered sugar to prevent sticking and add the final coating.
- Serve: Enjoy your Turkish delight with classic Turkish coffee and water. Optionally, sandwich between plain biscuits like Biscoff or Petibör for a popular local treat or gift.
Notes
- Use regular white sugar to ensure proper syrup consistency and color evaluation.
- Citric acid can be substituted with cream of tartar or lemon juice, but lemon juice may alter flavor.
- Adjust the rosewater quantity based on personal taste to avoid overpowering floral notes.
- The food coloring intensity and brand affect the final appearance; consider using more or a stronger brand for deep red color.
- Maintain gentle stirring during simmering to prevent burning and ensure even texture.
- Setting time is important; longer resting improves texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
