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Turkish Delight (Lokum) with Pomegranate and Pistachios Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 108 reviews

This authentic Turkish Delight (Lokum) recipe features a luscious, chewy confection made with pomegranate juice and pistachios, delicately flavored with orange blossom or rose water. The sweet treat is coated in a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking, creating a delightful dessert perfect for sharing or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

For Syrup

  • 4 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 2 tsp lemon juice

Base

  • 2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp orange blossom water (optional) or 1 tbsp rose water

Coating

  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Coat the inside of an 8×8 inch pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with a square of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, dissolve sugar, water, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the syrup reaches the Soft Ball stage at 240°F, about 15 minutes.
  3. Cook the Base Mixture: In another saucepan or Dutch oven, whisk together pomegranate juice, water, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Cook over low heat, whisking regularly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
  4. Incorporate Syrup: Gradually whisk in the hot syrup into the thickened base in half-cup increments, ensuring no lumps form. Once fully combined, continue cooking over low heat for 45 minutes while stirring frequently to reduce and thicken further.
  5. Add Flavorings and Nuts: Stir in the chopped pistachios and orange blossom water (or rose water) carefully to evenly distribute flavor and texture.
  6. Set the Turkish Delight: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to the edges. Let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours to set completely.
  7. Prepare Coating: Mix powdered sugar and cornstarch in a medium bowl for the coating mixture.
  8. Unmold and Cut: Run a rubber spatula around the inside edges to loosen the set Turkish Delight. Invert the pan onto a cutting surface dusted with some of the coating mixture. Remove and discard the parchment paper. Cut into 36 squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
  9. Coat Pieces: Sprinkle cut surfaces with additional coating mixture. Transfer all pieces into the bowl and gently toss with your hands to evenly coat each piece, preventing sticking.
  10. Storage: Store the coated Turkish Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 weeks.

Notes

  • Orange blossom water is added after cooking along with pistachios for optimal flavor.
  • Turkish Delight is traditionally coated in equal parts cornstarch and powdered sugar to prevent pieces from sticking; crushed pistachios can be used as an alternative coating for added texture and flavor.

Keywords: Turkish Delight, Lokum, Pomegranate, Pistachio, Traditional Turkish Dessert, Homemade Candy, No-Bake Candy

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/turkish-delight-lokum-with-pomegranate-and-pistachios-recipe/