Güllü Lokum (Premium Turkish Delight)
High-end artisanal Turkish delight (especially rose, pistachio, or mastic flavors) from historic shops. The best versions are soft, fragrant, and dusted with minimal starch — far superior to mass-produced ones.
8 ingredients
8 steps
Ingredients
- 1Cornstarch (1 cup)
- 2Water (3 cups)
- 3Sugar (2 cups)
- 4Cream of tartar (1/2 tsp)
- 5Rose water (3 tbsp)
- 6Pink food colouring (a few drops, optional)
- 7Pistachios (1/2 cup, whole or chopped)
- 8Powdered sugar + cornstarch for dusting (1:1 mix)
Instructions
- 1Mix 1/2 cup cornstarch with 1 cup cold water until smooth.
- 2In a separate pot, dissolve sugar in 2 cups water, add cream of tartar, bring to boil, and cook to soft ball stage (116°C).
- 3Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the boiling sugar syrup.
- 4Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 45–60 minutes until very thick and translucent.
- 5Remove from heat, stir in rose water and food colouring. Fold in pistachios.
- 6Pour into a greased, cornstarch-dusted tin. Smooth the top.
- 7Leave uncovered at room temperature for 8–12 hours or overnight.
- 8Turn out, cut into cubes with an oiled knife, and roll generously in powdered sugar-cornstarch mix. Serve arranged on a platter.