Renowned confectioners Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir Confectioners of Istanbul claim that Turkish Delight or Lokum as it is known in Turkey, originated here in the 15th century. Originally, the recipe was made using honey and molasses combined with water and flour as the binding agents, however the recipe we know and love today uses sugar and cornflour instead. This version was made famous in the 19th century by the Hacı Bekir company.
Turkish Delight was first tasted in the West in the 19th century when an unknown Brit developed a taste for Lokum and shipped back many cases of this delicate pink sweet under the name Turkish Delight. Its popularity spread across Europe and more recently with the launch of the Chronicles of Narnia it has undergone a revival thanks to its mention in the films.
Ingredients (serves 12):
- 355 ml water
- 600g granulated sugar
- 45 ml light corn syrup
- 120 ml orange juice
- 20g orange zest
- 21g unflavoured gelatin
- 95g cornflour
- 120 ml water
- 15 ml vanilla essence
- 95g chopped pistachio nuts
- Icing sugar for dusting
Method:
Using a large saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups water, sugar, and the corn syrup to the boil over moderate heat. Stir frequently, until the temperature reaches 240 degrees F (115 degrees C) on a cook’s thermometer. Set the mixture aside but keep hot.
Mix the orange juice and orange zest together and sprinkle with gelatin, then put to one side.
In a small bowl, dissolve the corn flour in 1/2 cup of cold water, and then stir it into the hot syrup. Simmer over a medium to low heat, stirring gently, until the mixture becomes very thick.
Remove the syrupy mix from the heat and stir in the orange juice mixture, vanilla and pistachios.
Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar liberally over the bottom of an 8 x 8 inch baking tray.
Pour the Turkish Delight mixture into the baking tray, then leave it to cool in a chilled, dry place but not in the fridge. It will take 3 to 4 hours to set.
Once cooled sufficiently, sprinkle a liberal helping of icing sugar over the top.
Cut into 1-inch squares, and roll again in icing sugar.
The Turkish Delight should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Once you Turkish Delight is ready you can lie back and savour this delight of the orient, after all we know it is “full of Eastern promise”!
