Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tbsp mastic gum, crushed
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Special Equipment Needed:
- Candy thermometer
- 8x8 inch square baking dish
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.
3. Add cream of tartar and mastic gum to the sugar mixture. Stir until the mastic gum is completely dissolved.
4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
5. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sugar mixture and whisk until well combined.
6. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and turns translucent. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
7. Add chopped pistachios to the mixture and stir until well combined.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
10. Once set, remove the Turkish delight from the baking dish and cut it into small squares.
11. Dust the squares with powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 25-30 pieces
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 2g
Saturated fat: 0.3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 5mg
Total carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary fiber: 0.5g
Total sugars: 20g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of nuts instead of pistachios, such as almonds or walnuts.
- If you can't find mastic gum, you can substitute it with 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
Variations:
- You can add food coloring to the mixture to give it a more vibrant color.
- You can add rosewater or orange blossom water to the mixture for a different flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the mixture reaches the correct temperature.
- Dust the squares with powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together.
Storage Instructions:
Store the Turkish delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating Instructions:
Turkish delight doesn't need to be reheated.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the Turkish delight squares on a platter and sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top for a decorative touch.
Garnishes:
Chopped pistachios or edible rose petals.
Pairings:
Turkish tea or coffee.
Suggested Side Dishes:
None.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
- If the mixture is too thin, add a little bit of cornstarch to thicken it.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the mixture to the correct temperature to ensure that it sets properly.
- Store the Turkish delight in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing moisture.
Food History:
Turkish delight, also known as lokum, is a traditional sweet that originated in Turkey in the 1700s. It is made with sugar, water, and cornstarch, and flavored with various ingredients such as nuts, fruits, and spices.
Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and slightly floral.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Turkish delight as a dessert or snack. It is often served with Turkish tea or coffee.
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Region: Turkish