Turkish Delight, or Lokum, is a traditional Turkish confectionery enjoyed worldwide for its unique, chewy texture and sweet flavor. This version, made with fresh orange juice, is an excellent choice for those who love citrusy, refreshing desserts. It’s easy to make and a perfect sweet treat to impress your guests.
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4-5 hours or overnight
Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
3 cups (600 ml) fresh orange juice (about 6-8 oranges)
1 cup (120 g) cornstarch
1 cup (160 g) granulated sugar
For Finishing:
Coconut flakes (for coating)
Directions
Prepare the Orange Juice:
Squeeze the juice from fresh oranges until you have 3 cups (600 ml). Strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds for a smooth consistency.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups of fresh orange juice, 1 cup of cornstarch, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix well with a whisk to dissolve the starch and sugar completely.
Cook the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a spatula, for about 25 minutes. The mixture will gradually thicken and start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
The most important tip is to cook the mixture on low heat while stirring continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Set the Turkish Delight:
Once thickened, wet the inside of a square or rectangular container with water (this prevents sticking) and pour the hot mixture into it. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
Let the Turkish Delight cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Prepare for Serving:
Once set, remove the Turkish Delight from the refrigerator. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the container and turn it out onto a cutting board.
Sprinkle coconut flakes on a flat surface. Cut the Turkish Delight into small squares and roll each piece in coconut flakes to coat.
Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy this sweet, chewy treat with Turkish coffee or tea. It’s a delightful dessert that everyone will love!
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of Turkish coffee or black tea for a traditional experience.
You can also dust with powdered sugar instead of coconut if you prefer a different coating.
Cooking Tips
Continuous Stirring: Constant stirring is crucial to prevent lumps and achieve the right consistency.
Refrigeration: The dessert needs time to set properly, so chilling it overnight will give the best results.
Nutritional Benefits
Oranges: High in Vitamin C and antioxidants, adding a fresh and healthy element to this sweet treat.
Cornstarch: Provides a gluten-free base, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Dietary Information
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
Contains Sugar
Storage
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