Turkish delight
Origin of the recipe
Turkish delight is a traditional and perhaps the most famous Eastern dessert. While not particularly difficult to prepare, it nevertheless possesses a superb, incomparable taste and aroma. The Arabic name of the dessert, "Rahat-El-Lukum," translates as "throat delight." This poetic term describes the state of bliss and pleasure experienced by those who taste the delicacy. In Turkish, the dessert is simply called lokum. We'll show you the classic method for preparing this delicious dessert.
What do you need for cooking?
Ingredients
For the syrup:
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Water
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Sugar
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Lemon
For the base:
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Water
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Beet
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Cornstarch
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Cream of tartar
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Nuts
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Coconut flakes
Kitchen utensils
- Knife
- Spoon
- Pot
- Form
Turkish delight is a delicate oriental delicacy that captivates with its mild flavor and aroma. It's easy to make at home, and the result will delight both those with a sweet tooth and lovers of traditional cuisine.
Step-by-step recipe
Step 1:
In a saucepan, mix 4 cups of sugar with 1.5 cups of water, add one circle (or 2 wedges) of lemon and mix again.
Step 2:
Place the syrup on the stove, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Be careful not to let the syrup darken too much. Then remove the syrup from the stove and set it aside.
Step 3:
Now let's make beetroot water, which will color our Turkish delight a beautiful dark pink color.
Step 4:
Grate 2 beets on a fine grater and place in water (600 ml).
Step 5:
Stir until the water is completely and evenly colored. Strain the mixture through a sieve, discarding the beets. Be very careful, as beets are difficult to wash. Try not to spill any.
Step 6:
In a separate bowl, combine one cup of cornstarch, one teaspoon of cream of tartar, and beetroot water. Mix well.
Step 7:
Place the base over the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. As it boils, the mixture will begin to thicken rapidly. At this point, gradually begin adding the syrup.
Step 8:
After mixing, simmer over very low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring as often as possible.
Step 9:
Finally, add the nuts and stir one last time.
Step 10:
Remove from heat.
Step 11:
Take a baking pan (in our case, 20 x 20 cm) and evenly spread half the coconut flakes on the bottom. Spread the thick mixture on top and smooth it out. Sprinkle more coconut on top and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Step 12:
The delicate Turkish delight is ready to be sliced and enjoyed. However, to be fully prepared, the delicacy needs about two days to set and thicken.
What can be used as a substitute for cream of tartar?
Hello, Anatoly! 😊 Thank you for your question! When making Turkish Delight, you can replace cream of tartar with citric acid—it will add a slight tartness. If you prefer to omit it entirely, that's also possible, but keep in mind the flavor may be slightly milder. Experiment and choose the option you prefer! If you have any other questions, please contact us—we're always happy to help! 🌟
