Traditional Turkish Delight with Rosewater and Pistachios. This delightful confection, with its delicate rosewater aroma and the crunch of pistachios, is a perfect treat for special occasions or a luxurious everyday indulgence. Let’s get started on this journey to create a little piece of Turkish delight right in your kitchen!
Resume of the Recipe:
Traditional Turkish Delight is a beautifully fragrant confection, flavored with rosewater and filled with crunchy pistachios. This sweet treat, with its soft, chewy texture, is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for unique, aromatic flavors.
Exciting Story:
I still remember the first time I tasted Turkish delight—it was like stepping into a fairytale. My husband and I were on a trip to Istanbul, exploring the bustling markets and soaking in the vibrant culture. Amidst the array of spices and sweets, a small stall caught my eye. The vendor offered us a sample of Turkish delight, and from the first bite, we were hooked. The subtle floral notes of rosewater combined with the crunch of pistachios created a symphony of flavors that left us craving more. Back home, I knew I had to recreate this magical treat for my family. It has since become a beloved confection in our household, bringing back fond memories of our Turkish adventure with every bite.
Why This Traditional Turkish Delight?
- Exotic and Unique: The combination of rosewater and pistachios creates a unique and exotic flavor profile.
- Beautifully Aromatic: The delicate scent of rosewater adds an enchanting aroma.
- Perfect for Gifting: These delightful squares make a perfect gift for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups cornstarch
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 4 1/4 cups water (divided)
- 1 tbsp rosewater
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How to Make Traditional Turkish Delight:
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and dust generously with powdered sugar. Set aside.
- Prepare the Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups of water, and cream of tartar.
- Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved, then stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Insert a candy thermometer and continue to boil until the syrup reaches 240°F (115°C).
- Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture:
- While the syrup is boiling, mix the cornstarch and 2 3/4 cups of water in a large pot.
- Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture becomes thick and glue-like.
- Combine Syrup and Cornstarch Mixture:
- Once the syrup reaches 240°F, slowly pour it into the thickened cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, for about an hour until it turns a golden color and thickens significantly.
- Add Flavor and Nuts:
- Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the rosewater, chopped pistachios, and a few drops of red or pink food coloring if desired.
- Set the Turkish Delight:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Allow it to cool and set at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Cut and Coat:
- Once set, dust the top with powdered sugar and turn the delight out onto a powdered sugar-dusted surface.
- Cut into small squares and roll each piece in powdered sugar to coat.
Tips:
- Patience is Key: Stir the mixture frequently during the cooking process to prevent burning.
- Uniform Pieces: Use a sharp knife dusted with powdered sugar to cut the delight into even squares.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature, dusting occasionally with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.