20 Healthy Turkish Delight Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 9, 2024
Turkish delight, also known as lokum, is a sweet and indulgent treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. Originating from the Ottoman Empire, this confectionary has become a staple in Turkish culture and has gained popularity around the world. However, traditional recipes for Turkish delight often contain high amounts of sugar and artificial ingredients, making it less than ideal for those looking for a healthier lifestyle. But fear not, because we have a delicious and healthy Turkish delight recipe that you can enjoy guilt-free. Let's dive in and discover how you can make this delectable treat in the comfort of your own home.
Main Ingredients: Lemon Juice, Sugar, Corn Starch, Cream Of Tartar
Before we dive into the beer can chicken recipes, let's first learn how to make homemade Turkish delight. While store-bought versions are readily available, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of making it from scratch. Plus, you'll have the added bonus of being able to customize the flavors to your liking.
To make homemade Turkish delight, you'll need sugar, cornstarch, water, lemon juice, and your choice of flavoring. Traditional flavors include rosewater and pistachio, but feel free to experiment with other options such as orange blossom or even chocolate.
To start, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until it thickens and becomes translucent. Then, add in the lemon juice and your chosen flavoring. Pour the mixture into a greased pan and let it cool and set for several hours. Once set, cut the Turkish delight into squares and dust with powdered sugar.
2of 20
History of Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Cornstarch, Water, Lemon Juice, Pistachios
Turkish delight has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 18th century. It was first created by confectioner Bekir Effendi in Istanbul, Turkey, and quickly became a popular delicacy in the Ottoman Empire. The original recipe consisted of honey, molasses, and flour, but over time, it evolved into the version we know and love today.
In the 19th century, Turkish delight gained popularity throughout Europe and eventually made its way to England, where it was introduced to the rest of the world. It was famously featured in C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", where the White Witch tempts Edmund with a box of Turkish delight.
In Turkey, Turkish delight is called lokum, which translates to "morsel" or "mouthful". It is considered a luxury treat and is often served as a gesture of hospitality to guests. In fact, it is a tradition for newlyweds to share a piece of lokum on their wedding night as a symbol of their commitment to share everything in life, even the sweet things.
Lokum is also an important part of Turkish culture and is often associated with festivals and celebrations. During the annual Hıdırellez Festival, a festival that celebrates the arrival of spring, people gather to dance and feast on lokum.
4of 20
Easy Turkish Delight Narnia Candy | Lokum
Main Ingredients: Unsweetened Shredded Coconut, Granulated Sugar, Corn
If you're a fan of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", you'll love this easy Turkish delight recipe that pays tribute to the story. This recipe uses store-bought Turkish delight, making it a quick and simple treat to make. All you need is a bag of Turkish delight, dark chocolate, and sprinkles.
To make this Narnia-inspired candy, start by melting the dark chocolate in a double boiler. Once melted, dip the Turkish delight squares into the chocolate and coat them well. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle on some colorful sprinkles for a fun and whimsical touch. Let the chocolate set and then enjoy your very own batch of Narnia candy.
Rosewater is a popular flavor in Turkish delight and adds a delicate floral note to the sweet treat. This rosewater Turkish delight recipe is a classic and is perfect for those who love a more traditional taste.
To make this recipe, you'll need rosewater, sugar, cornstarch, and water. You can also add in some red food coloring for a more vibrant pink hue. The key to making the perfect rosewater Turkish delight is to infuse the sugar syrup with rosewater before adding in the cornstarch mixture. This will ensure that the rose flavor is evenly distributed throughout the candy.
Turkish delight on its own is already a delicious treat, but did you know that it can also be incorporated into other desserts? From brownies to cheesecake, here are some creative ways to use Turkish delight in your baking.
7of 20
Turkish Delight Brownies
Main Ingredients: Dark Chocolate, Unsalted Butter, Large Eggs, Golden
Adding chunks of Turkish delight to your brownie batter will give your brownies a burst of flavor and texture. The chewy Turkish delight contrasts perfectly with the fudgy brownie, creating a delicious and indulgent treat.
To make Turkish delight brownies, simply chop up some Turkish delight and fold it into your brownie batter before baking. You can also sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top for an extra crunch.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, this recipe for traditional Turkish delight is a must-try. It uses only four ingredients – sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice – and is flavored with rosewater and pistachios.
The key to making the perfect traditional Turkish delight is to cook the sugar syrup until it reaches a temperature of 240°F. This will ensure that the candy sets properly and has a soft and chewy texture.
9of 20
Turkish Delight Cheesecake
Main Ingredients: Chocolate, Butter, Gelatine, Cream Cheese, Caster
Cheesecake and Turkish delight may seem like an unlikely combination, but trust us when we say that it works wonderfully together. This recipe for Turkish delight cheesecake features a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a generous layer of chopped Turkish delight on top.
The tanginess of the cream cheese complements the sweetness of the Turkish delight, while the crust adds a nice crunch to each bite. This showstopping dessert will surely impress your friends and family.
10of 20
Turkish Delight - ful
Main Ingredients: Pink Food Colouring, Turkish Delight, Raspberries, Dark
This unique recipe combines two favorite treats into one – Turkish delight and baklava. Baklava is a sweet and flaky pastry that is popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. In this recipe, the layers of phyllo dough are filled with a mixture of chopped pistachios and Turkish delight, making it a truly indulgent dessert.
The key to making the perfect Turkish delight-ful is to brush each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter to ensure a crispy and golden pastry. You can also add some honey drizzle on top for some extra sweetness.
Macarons are delicate and colorful French pastries that come in an assortment of flavors. This recipe for Turkish delight macarons adds a Middle Eastern twist to the classic French treat.
The macaron shells are flavored with rosewater and filled with a creamy Turkish delight filling. The result is a beautiful and delicious dessert that is sure to impress. These macarons are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat for yourself.
12of 20
Turkish Delight Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Pomegranate, Vodka, Lime, Lemonade, Ice, Pomegranate
If you're a fan of cocktails, you'll love this Turkish delight cocktail recipe. This drink features a combination of gin, lemon juice, and rosewater syrup, giving it a refreshing and floral taste. The addition of a small piece of Turkish delight as a garnish adds a touch of elegance to the drink.
To make this cocktail, simply shake together the gin, lemon juice, and rosewater syrup in a cocktail shaker. Pour it over ice and garnish with a piece of Turkish delight. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening or for a special occasion.
13of 20
Turkish Delight Coffee
Main Ingredients: Heavy Cream, Orange Liqueur, Sugar, Strong Coffee
Coffee lovers, rejoice! This recipe for Turkish delight coffee is the perfect way to elevate your morning cup of joe. This drink features a combination of coffee, milk, and a homemade rosewater syrup. The syrup adds a subtle floral note to the coffee, making it a unique and delicious drink.
To make the rosewater syrup, simply combine sugar, water, and rosewater in a saucepan and let it simmer until it thickens. Then, add a small amount of the syrup to your coffee and milk mixture and enjoy your very own Turkish delight coffee.
14of 20
Homemade Pistachio Turkish Delight
Main Ingredients: Lemon Juice, Sugar, Corn Starch, Cream Of Tartar
Pistachio is a popular flavor in Turkish delight and adds a nice crunch to the soft and chewy candy. This homemade pistachio Turkish delight recipe is a must-try for any pistachio lover.
To make this recipe, you'll need pistachios, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. The key to making the perfect pistachio Turkish delight is to toast the pistachios before adding them into the candy mixture. This will enhance their flavor and give them a nice crunch.
This recipe for pink rosewater Turkish delight is a fun and colorful twist on the traditional version. This candy is perfect for special occasions or as a gift for your loved ones.
To make this recipe, you'll need rosewater, sugar, cornstarch, and a small amount of red food coloring. The result is a pretty pink candy that is flavored with a delicate rose flavor. You can also add some chopped pistachios on top for some extra texture and flavor.
Orange blossom is another popular flavor in Turkish delight and adds a refreshing and citrusy note to the candy. This recipe for orange blossom Turkish delight is a must-try for those who love a burst of citrus flavor.
In addition to the sugar, cornstarch, and water, this recipe also calls for orange blossom water and orange juice. The orange juice adds a nice tanginess to the candy, while the orange blossom water gives it a subtle and fragrant flavor.
For a healthier take on Turkish delight, try making these protein balls that incorporate the candy into the mix. These protein balls are perfect for snacking on-the-go or as a post-workout treat.
To make these protein balls, you'll need dates, almonds, cashews, cocoa powder, and some chopped Turkish delight. Simply blend the dates, almonds, and cashews together in a food processor until they form a sticky mixture. Then, roll them into balls and coat them in cocoa powder and chopped Turkish delight. These protein balls are a delicious and guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
18of 20
Rose Turkish Delight Scones
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Cream Of Tartar
Scones are a classic teatime treat that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. This recipe for rose Turkish delight scones adds a unique and delicious twist to the traditional scone.
The scones are flavored with rosewater and are studded with pieces of chopped Turkish delight. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a dollop of clotted cream and a cup of tea. These scones are sure to impress your guests at your next tea party.
19of 20
Showstopping Turkish Delight Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Caster Sugar, Eggs, Self Raising Flour, Baking
Last but not least, we have a showstopping Turkish delight cake that is sure to be the star of any dessert table. This cake features layers of fluffy sponge cake, rosewater buttercream, and a generous amount of chopped Turkish delight in between.
To make this cake, you'll need all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, butter, rosewater, and Turkish delight. The result is a beautiful and delicious cake that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.
20of 20
The White Witch's Turkish Delight
Main Ingredients: Canola, Lemon Juice, Granulated Sugar, Water
We couldn't end this list without mentioning the iconic Turkish delight from "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". While the exact recipe for the White Witch's Turkish delight remains a mystery, you can make your own version with this recipe that is inspired by the book.
This recipe uses store-bought Turkish delight and adds a touch of magic with some edible glitter. You can also add an extra sprinkle of nostalgia by serving it on a silver platter, just like the White Witch did in the story.
The Importance of Choosing Healthy Ingredients
Why Traditional Recipes May Not Be the Best Option
Traditional Turkish delight recipes typically call for large amounts of sugar and corn syrup, which can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels and contribute to health issues such as diabetes and obesity. Additionally, many recipes also use artificial flavorings and colors, which can be harmful to our bodies in the long run. That's why it's important to choose healthier alternatives when making this beloved treat.
The Key Ingredients to a Healthier Turkish Delight
Our healthy Turkish delight recipe uses natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup, which not only add a touch of sweetness but also provide additional health benefits. We also use agar-agar, a plant-based gelatin substitute, instead of the traditional gelatin, making this recipe suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, we use real fruit juices and extracts to add flavor and color, avoiding artificial ingredients altogether.
How to Make Your Own Healthy Turkish Delight
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, mix together your chosen sweetener, agar-agar, and water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the agar-agar has dissolved completely. Next, add in your desired flavorings and colors, such as rose water or lemon juice, and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Then, pour the mixture into a greased dish and let it cool and set in the fridge for at least an hour. Once set, cut the Turkish delight into bite-sized pieces and coat them in a mixture of cornstarch and powdered sugar to prevent sticking. And voila, your healthy Turkish delight is ready to be enjoyed!
Customize Your Recipe
The great thing about making your own Turkish delight is that you can customize it to your liking. You can experiment with different flavor combinations, such as pistachio and orange or chocolate and hazelnut, to add your own unique twist. You can also adjust the amount of sweetener used to suit your taste preferences.
In conclusion, indulging in healthy Turkish delight is possible with the right ingredients and recipe. Not only is it a delicious treat, but it also provides a healthier alternative to the traditional version. So why not give this recipe a try and satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt? Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
![Turkish Delight - Rose - Lokum - SEBAHAT "Loki" [5 x 200g Bag] : Amazon ...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91TaZDWS3WL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Rockyroadcandy-GettyImages-102069229-5a24ac0c482c520037f13c29.jpg)
