Turkish lokum, also known as Turkish delight, is a beloved treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. This sweet and chewy confection is a traditional dessert in Turkey, but it has gained popularity all over the world. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Istanbul. In this article, we will explore the history of Turkish lokum and share a delicious recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Cornstarch, Water, Lemon Juice, Pistachios
If you're a fan of sweet and chewy treats, then you have to try lokum, also known as Turkish delight. These delectable morsels are made from sugar, water, and starch, and often flavored with rosewater, citrus, or nuts. A staple in Turkish cuisine, lokum is often served as a sweet treat after a meal or as a special gift. But why settle for store-bought lokum when you can make your own at home? Here are 20 delicious lokum recipes for you to try.
Also known as Turkish delight, lokum has a rich history dating back to the Ottoman Empire. It was believed to have been created by a confectioner named Bekir Effendi in the 18th century. Lokum became a popular treat in the Ottoman palace and was often served to guests. Today, it is still considered a national sweet in Turkey and is enjoyed all over the world.
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Homemade Turkish Delight Lokum
Main Ingredients: Lemon Juice, Sugar, Corn Starch, Cream Of Tartar
While you can easily find lokum in supermarkets and specialty stores, making your own at home is a fun and rewarding experience. Not to mention, you can customize the flavors to your liking. To make homemade Turkish delight, you will need sugar, corn starch, cream of tartar, water, and your choice of flavorings. This recipe from The Spruce Eats provides a simple and delicious base for creating your own lokum.
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History of Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Cornstarch, Water, Lemon Juice, Pistachios
The history of Turkish delight dates back centuries, but it wasn't until the 19th century that it gained popularity outside of Turkey. In 1848, an English confectioner named David Klein started producing and selling Turkish delight in his shop. It became a hit and was even featured in the famous novel The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Today, you can find variations of Turkish delight all over the world.
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Easy Turkish Delight Narnia Candy | Lokum
Main Ingredients: Unsweetened Shredded Coconut, Granulated Sugar, Corn
Are you a fan of the classic novel The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? Then you'll love this easy Turkish delight recipe inspired by the iconic treat in the book. This recipe from Delishably uses just a few ingredients and can be made in under an hour. The end result is a sweet and chewy lokum that will transport you to the magical world of Narnia.
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Cherry Turkish Taffy
Main Ingredients: Egg White, Sugar, Water, Cornstarch, Cherry Jam, Butter
If you're a fan of cherry-flavored treats, then this recipe is for you. This cherry Turkish taffy from Fine Cooking combines the classic flavors of lokum with the texture of taffy. You will need cherry juice, corn syrup, sugar, and cornstarch to make this delicious treat. It's perfect for snacking on or gifting to loved ones.
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Greek Yogurt Turkish Flatbread (Bazlama)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt
Looking for a savory dish to pair with your lokum? Try this Greek yogurt Turkish flatbread, also known as bazlama. This recipe from Saveur combines Greek yogurt, flour, and yeast to create a soft and fluffy flatbread that is perfect for dipping in hummus or enjoying with a bowl of soup and a side of lokum.
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Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Large Green Bell Pepper, Diced
If you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast or brunch, give this menemen recipe a try. Menemen is a traditional Turkish dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, and green peppers. It's a popular dish in Turkey and is often served with slices of bread for dipping. This recipe from Bon Appétit adds a touch of feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
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Turkish Cacik
Main Ingredients: Plain Yogurt, Cucumbers, Chopped Walnuts, Fresh Dill
Cacik is a refreshing yogurt-based dip that is popular in Turkey. It's made with yogurt, cucumber, fresh herbs, and garlic, and is often served as a side dish or appetizer. This recipe from Allrecipes adds a splash of olive oil and lemon juice for a tangy and delicious dip that pairs perfectly with lokum.
Gozleme is a savory Turkish flatbread that is often filled with various ingredients, such as cheese, vegetables, or meat. This recipe from Taste uses minced lamb, onion, and spices to create a flavorful filling for the gozleme. It's a great dish to serve for lunch or dinner, and can also be enjoyed as a snack.
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Turkish Bread
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Caster Sugar, Warm Water, All Purpose
No Turkish meal is complete without a side of bread. This recipe for Turkish bread from Food Network uses a combination of bread flour and semolina flour for a light and airy texture. The bread is traditionally cooked in a stone oven, but can also be made in a regular oven. Serve it warm with a side of butter or olive oil for dipping.
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Turkish Kunefe (Künefe)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Shredded Phyllo Dough, Cheese, Butter
Kunefe is a traditional Turkish dessert made with shredded phyllo dough and a sweet cheese filling. It's often topped with a syrup made from sugar, water, and lemon juice and is served warm. This recipe from My Greek Dish adds a touch of rosewater for a fragrant and flavorful twist on the classic kunefe.
Eggs are a staple in Turkish cuisine and can be enjoyed in many different ways. This recipe for Turkish eggs from Food & Wine combines poached eggs with a flavorful sauce made from yogurt, garlic, and paprika. It's a simple and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Turkish homes. It's made with potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices, and is often served with a side of bread or rice. This recipe from One Green Planet adds a touch of smoked paprika for a smoky and delicious flavor.
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Turkish Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köfte)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Water, Bulgur, Olive Oil, Pepper, Salt
Mercimek köfte is a popular appetizer or side dish in Turkey. It's made with red lentils, bulgur, onion, and spices, and is often served cold. This recipe from Nutrition Stripped adds a touch of pomegranate molasses for a tangy and sweet twist on the classic dish. Serve with a side of yogurt for dipping.
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Turkish Flat Bread (Bazlama)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt
This recipe for Turkish flat bread from Just One Cookbook uses a combination of flour and yogurt for a soft and fluffy texture. The bread is traditionally cooked over a hot griddle, but can also be made in the oven. It's a versatile bread that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, including lokum.
If you're a fan of floral flavors, then this recipe for rosewater Turkish delight from Taste is a must-try. The delicate flavors of rosewater and lemon combine to create a delicious and unique twist on the classic treat. Serve with a sprinkling of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Homemade Doner Kebab: A Turkish Classic
Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Egg, Garlic, Ground Cumin, Ground
Doner kebab is a popular street food in Turkey and is loved all over the world. This recipe for homemade doner kebab from RecipeTin Eats shows you how to make your own version of this delicious dish at home. Marinated chicken or beef is cooked on a rotisserie and shaved off in thin slices. Serve in a pita or wrap with your choice of toppings.
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Turkish Eggplant Casserole with Tomatoes (Imam Bayildi)
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sea Salt, Olive Oil, Small Yellow Onion
Imam bayildi is a classic Turkish dish featuring eggplant, tomatoes, and onions. The name translates to "the imam fainted," as legend has it that the dish was so delicious it made an imam faint with pleasure. This recipe from Turkish Style Cooking adds a touch of garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
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Turkish Borek (Sigara Borek)
Main Ingredients: Yufka Dough, Olive Oil, Small Onion, Spinach, White
Borek is a popular Turkish pastry that is often filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. This recipe for Turkish borek from Olive Magazine uses feta cheese, spinach, and parsley for a delicious and savory filling. The pastries are rolled into cigar shapes and baked until golden and crispy. Serve as a snack or appetizer with a side of Turkish tea.
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Lokum (Turkish delights)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Cornstarch, Water, Lemon Juice, Pistachios
Lokum, also known as Turkish Delight, is a popular confectionery in Turkey and has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. It is a sweet treat made from starch and sugar, flavored with various fruits, nuts, and spices. Lokum has a soft, chewy texture and is often dusted with powdered sugar. This traditional Turkish dessert has a rich history and has been enjoyed by people for centuries. In this article, we will explore the top 20 Lokum recipes that you can try at home.
If you're a fan of Turkish Delight, why not try making it at home? This homemade Lokum recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few ingredients. You can customize the flavor by using your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices. The result is a delicious and authentic Turkish Delight that you can enjoy with your family and friends.
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Homemade Turkish Delight Lokum
Main Ingredients: Lemon Juice, Sugar, Corn Starch, Cream Of Tartar
The history of Turkish Delight can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was first created in the 15th century. It was originally called "rahat-ul hulkum," which means "comfort of the throat." Lokum was often served to the sultans and their guests as a sweet treat after meals. Over time, it became popular among the general public and was exported to other countries.
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History of Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Cornstarch, Water, Lemon Juice, Pistachios
Did you know that Turkish Delight plays a significant role in the popular book and movie series, The Chronicles of Narnia? In the story, the White Witch uses Turkish Delight to tempt one of the main characters, Edmund, into betraying his siblings. The Turkish Delight in the story is described as "snowy, pale, and dusted with sugar." You can recreate this iconic candy at home with this simple recipe.
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Easy Turkish Delight Narnia Candy | Lokum
Main Ingredients: Unsweetened Shredded Coconut, Granulated Sugar, Corn
This twist on traditional Turkish Delight combines the sweetness of Lokum with the chewy texture of taffy. This recipe adds dried cherries to the mix, giving the taffy a burst of fruity flavor. This is a great option for those who prefer their candy to have a bit of a bite.
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Cherry Turkish Taffy
Main Ingredients: Egg White, Sugar, Water, Cornstarch, Cherry Jam, Butter
Bazlama is a type of flatbread that is popular in Turkish cuisine. It is soft, fluffy, and has a slightly chewy texture. This recipe uses Greek yogurt in the dough, giving the bread a tangy flavor and making it extra moist. You can enjoy bazlama on its own, or use it as a wrap for meats, vegetables, or dips.
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Greek Yogurt Turkish Flatbread (Bazlama)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt
Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish that is made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It is often served with a side of bread or eaten with a fork. This dish is quick and easy to make and is a great way to start your day with a hearty and flavorful meal.
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Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Large Green Bell Pepper, Diced
Cacik is a refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip that is popular in Turkish cuisine. It is often served as a side dish or used as a topping for meats or vegetables. This recipe adds a twist to the traditional cacik by using dill instead of mint. The result is a creamy, tangy dip that is perfect for hot summer days.
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Turkish Cacik
Main Ingredients: Plain Yogurt, Cucumbers, Chopped Walnuts, Fresh Dill
Gozleme is a type of Turkish flatbread that is filled with various ingredients and cooked on a griddle. This recipe uses minced lamb as the filling, along with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The result is a savory and satisfying dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
If you're a fan of Turkish cuisine, you've probably tried Turkish bread at some point. This type of bread is soft, fluffy, and often has a hollow center. It is used to scoop up dips and sauces or to wrap meats and vegetables. You can make your own Turkish bread at home with this simple recipe that requires only a few ingredients.
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Turkish Bread
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Caster Sugar, Warm Water, All Purpose
Kunefe is a popular Turkish dessert that is made with shredded phyllo dough, sweet cheese, and a sugar syrup. It is often served hot and is topped with crushed pistachios for added texture and flavor. This recipe uses a simple homemade syrup, but you can also use store-bought syrup for a quicker version.
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Turkish Kunefe (Künefe)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Shredded Phyllo Dough, Cheese, Butter
Turkish Eggs, also known as Cilbir, is a popular breakfast dish in Turkey. It is made with poached eggs, yogurt, and a spicy butter sauce. You can serve this dish with bread or eat it with a spoon. The combination of rich and creamy yogurt, runny eggs, and tangy butter sauce is simply irresistible.
This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Turkish households. It is made with potatoes, chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and spices, and is often served as a main course. You can also add your choice of meat to this dish, such as chicken or beef, for a more filling meal.
Mercimek Köfte is a vegetarian dish that is popular in Turkish cuisine. It is made with red lentils, bulgur, and spices, and is often served as an appetizer or a side dish. These lentil balls are packed with flavor and are a great option for those looking for a meat-free alternative.
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Turkish Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köfte)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Water, Bulgur, Olive Oil, Pepper, Salt
Bazlama is a type of Turkish flatbread that is soft, fluffy, and has a slightly chewy texture. It is often used as a wrap for meats, vegetables, or dips. This recipe uses a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour, making the bread more nutritious and giving it a nutty flavor.
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Turkish Flat Bread (Bazlama)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt
Rosewater is a popular ingredient in Turkish cuisine and is often used in various desserts, including Lokum. This recipe uses rosewater to flavor the Turkish Delight, giving it a delicate and floral taste. You can also add a few drops of red food coloring to give the Lokum a pink hue.
Doner Kebab is a staple in Turkish cuisine and is a popular street food in many countries. It is made with layers of meat that are cooked on a rotating spit and then shaved off and served in a pita or wrap. This recipe allows you to recreate this beloved Turkish dish at home, using your choice of meat and toppings.
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Homemade Doner Kebab: A Turkish Classic
Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Egg, Garlic, Ground Cumin, Ground
Imam Bayildi is a popular Turkish dish that is made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and spices. The name translates to "the Imam fainted," as it is said that the Imam fainted with pleasure upon tasting this dish. This casserole is a great option for vegetarians and is full of rich and flavorful ingredients.
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Turkish Eggplant Casserole with Tomatoes (Imam Bayildi)
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sea Salt, Olive Oil, Small Yellow Onion
Borek is a type of savory pastry that is popular in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made with phyllo dough and filled with various ingredients, such as cheese, vegetables, or meat. This recipe uses feta cheese and parsley as the filling, giving the borek a tangy and herbaceous flavor.
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Turkish Borek (Sigara Borek)
Main Ingredients: Yufka Dough, Olive Oil, Small Onion, Spinach, White
If you're a fan of both Turkish Delight and cheesecake, this recipe is for you. It combines the two into a rich and decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The cheesecake is flavored with rosewater and topped with a layer of homemade Turkish Delight. It is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
The History of Turkish Lokum
Origins
The origins of Turkish lokum can be traced back to the 18th century in Istanbul. It is believed that the recipe was first created by a confectioner named Bekir Effendi, who served it to the Ottoman Sultan and his guests. The sultan was so impressed by the sweet treat that he declared it the "royal delight" and it quickly became a favorite among the elite.
Popularity
As word of this delectable dessert spread, it became a must-try for visitors to Istanbul. The first lokum shop, Haci Bekir, was opened in 1777 and is still in operation today. Lokum was also featured in the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, where it gained popularity among European aristocracy.
Evolution
Over time, the recipe for Turkish lokum has evolved and new flavors have been introduced. Originally, it was made with just sugar and cornstarch, but now it can include nuts, dried fruits, and spices. However, the traditional recipe still remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The Recipe for Turkish Lokum
Ingredients
The key ingredients for Turkish lokum are cornstarch, sugar, and water. You will also need some flavoring, such as rosewater or lemon juice, and food coloring to give your lokum that beautiful pastel hue.
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, mix together the cornstarch, sugar, and water until well combined.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
4. Add in your desired flavoring and food coloring, and stir well.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased pan and let it cool for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
6. Once cooled and set, cut the lokum into small cubes and dust with powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Turkish lokum is typically served with a cup of strong Turkish coffee or tea. You can also enjoy it with some fresh fruit or as a topping for ice cream. It also makes for a great gift or party favor, as it can be packaged in beautiful boxes or bags.
In conclusion, Turkish lokum is a delicious and versatile treat that has stood the test of time. With its rich history and simple yet flavorful recipe, it's no wonder that it has become a beloved dessert all over the world. Give this recipe a try and experience the taste of Turkey in your own home.
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