How long can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, Lokum can be made up to 3 days in advance.

What can I use instead of pistachios?

Substitute with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, based on preference.

Is there a way to make it without rose water?

Yes, substitute with orange blossom water or vanilla extract for a different flavor.

How do I avoid the Lokum being too sticky?

Ensure the finished Lokum is thoroughly coated in the cornstarch-sugar mixture before storing.

Aromatic Turkish Rose and Pistachio Lokum Delight

Name: Aromatic Turkish Rose and Pistachio Lokum Delight
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 24 pieces
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 4 cups granulated white sugar; 1 ½ cups water; 1 ½ cups cornstarch; 1 tsp cream of tartar; 2 cups additional water; 2 tbsp rose water; 1 cup unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped; Few drops of red food coloring (optional); 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ cup cornstarch

A Sweet and Chewy Turkish Treat

Embark on a flavor journey with this authentic Turkish delight recipe, marrying the delicate essence of rose water with the crunch of pistachios.

3 h 45 min
24 pieces
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Lokum Base

4 cups granulated white sugar

1 ½ cups water

1 ½ cups cornstarch

1 tsp cream of tartar

2 cups additional water

For the Flavor and Texture

2 tbsp rose water

1 cup unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped

Few drops of red food coloring (optional)

For the Coating

1 cup powdered sugar

½ cup cornstarch

Preparation

Preparing the Sweetening Syrup

Combine sugar and water

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and 1 ½ cups water.

Dissolve sugar

Boil and stir until sugar is fully dissolved.

Simmer syrup

Allow it to simmer until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. Set aside.

Preparing the Lokum Mixture

Mix cornstarch and water

In a separate large saucepan, mix 1 ½ cups cornstarch, cream of tartar, and 2 cups of water.

Thicken mixture

Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.

Add syrup

Gradually pour in the hot syrup while stirring constantly.

Ensure a steady, gradual addition of syrup to avoid splattering. Pro Tip: Add food coloring slowly; a little goes a long way for rose-like hints.

Cooking Process

Thickening the Lokum

Continue cooking over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 1 hour until it is thick and comes away from the sides of the pan in a mass.

Flavoring the Mix

Remove from heat; stir in rose water, pistachios, and food coloring.

Setting the Delight

Pour into a dampened 9x9-inch square dish and let it cool at room temperature for 3 hours.

Plating & Serving