For the most satisfactory results, Turkish delight should be produced using high-quality ingredients. Store-bought sweets are mass-produced, and flavour and quality are frequently compromised in the name of cost. Rosewater and other Middle Eastern tastes that aren't available in regular grocery stores can be purchased through Middle Eastern e-commerce or local street vendors
What you need:
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 1/2 cups water, divided
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cups cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rose water
- 2 drops red food colouring, optional
- 1 cup powdered sugar
What you should do:
1. Collect the required ingredients. Lining a 9 x 9-inch pan with aluminium foil and coating it with nonstick cooking spray is an excellent way to start. Set aside.
2. Combine the granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups water, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, constantly stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. To prevent sugar crystals from forming, use a damp pastry brush to wipe down the edges of the pan, and use a candy thermometer to keep track of the temperature.
4. Allow the sugar mixture to boil without stirring until the candy thermometer reads 240 degrees Fahrenheit. This process might take anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour. Collect the remaining candy ingredients when the sugar syrup reaches 225°F.
5. In a little bigger pot, pour the remaining 3 cups of water. Whisk in the cornstarch and cream of tartar until the starch is completely dissolved and no lumps left.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil in the saucepan over medium heat, swirling or whisking continually. The mixture will thicken and get pasty.
7. Remove the sugar syrup from the fire once it reaches 240 ° F. Slowly and gently pour it into the cornstarch mixture, stirring until it is completely absorbed. It will be easier to avoid lumps if you whisk it in gently.
8. Reduce the heat to low and cook for approximately an hour, stirring every 8 to 10 minutes, until the candy is a light golden yellow colour and highly thick and gluey.
9. Remove the pan from the heat and toss in the rosewater and food colouring until the mixture is well combined.
10. Pour the candy into the prepared pan and put it aside to set overnight, uncovered.
11. Remove the candy from the pan the following day using the foil as handles. Sprinkle powdered sugar on a clean, nonporous work surface and flip the confection onto it. Carefully remove the foil off the back and sprinkle additional sugar on top.
12. Cut the Turkish delight into tiny squares using a sharp chef's knife that has been lubricated. To avoid sticking, dust each side of the court with powdered sugar.
Since Turkish delight doesn't store well, it's best eaten just after it's created. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature with waxed paper between the layers of squares for optimal storage, and sprinkle the edges with extra powdered sugar before serving.
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