Lokum Recipe at Home / Amazing Number 1 Turkish Street Food

Lokum Recipe at Home / Amazing Number 1 Turkish Street Food

 

No discussion of Turkish food would be complete without mentioning lokum, or Turkish delight, as it’s also known. A delicately flavored chewy jelly candy, this sweet treat is much more than that, it’s a symbol of culture, of an invitation to eat, to stay, for a sticky few moments, and in the process establish hospitality, perpetuating a tradition that spans centuries. This guide will walk you through the history and importance of lokum, introduce many of the recipes you’ll use, and even cover a wide range of Turkish street food.

 

What is Lokum?

 

Let’s start with the basics. Lokum is a confectionary which has kept mouths watering for several centuries. Their texture is somehow that of jelly and marshmallow but a distinct chewiness that makes you want to take your time eating them. Rosewater is you’re most classic taste, as it brings a lovely floral note, but Turkish delight can be found in any number of flavors, such as lemon, orange, cinnamon, and even pistachio.

 

What is the essence of Turkish?

 

Turkish coffee and lokum are a perfect pair, in that the strong, rich coffee accentuates the sweetness of the candy. Lokum is a very common item to serve at social gatherings, on holidays, and when welcoming guest. This treat can be enjoyed throughout the year and is not just a special occasion treat.

 

A Peek into History

 

Lokum is a tradition rich in origin. It made its way to the Ottoman Empire, then called “rahatu’l-hulkum,” meaning ‘comfort of the throat.’ It was a candy that would slide down easily after a meal, pleasantly, to provide a bracelet of comfort. Its name became shortened over time and eventually became ‘lokum’, whose name was changed from what was originally a simple honey and molasses treat into what we have today: the refined sugar based confection.

 

During the 18th century, confectioner Haci Bekir and his colleagues helped to promote lokum. Since then, he experimented with sugar and cornstarch to come up with the marvelous candy which are now considered a touchstone of Turkish cuisine. His reputation further grew, where he was then called to make sweets for the Ottoman sultans, locking the delicate lokum trade into a long history of sweetness.

 

You’re Lokum Recipe Ingredients

 

Though it might seem like there would be no end to making lokum at home, it’s actually quite easy if you have the right ingredients and a bit of patience. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

 

Essential Ingredients

 

– 3 cups superfine sugar: This is the main sweetener and gives you that chewy texture.

– 1 ¾ cups cold water: In the syrup and added to cornstarch to mix

– 1 medium lemon, juiced: Gives a touch of acidity and prevents sugar crystallization.

– ½ cup cold water: For mixing with cornstarch.

– ½ cup + 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Also needed to thicken the mixture and make lokum what it is.

– 4 ¾ tablespoons powdered gelatin: It is important for everything to come together.

– 1 ½ teaspoons rosewater: Sub in your favorite extract to taste if you didn’t use the traditional flavors.

– Optional: Edible glitter for decorative purposes, and food coloring.

 

Dusting Mixture

 

For dusting the finished lokum and preventing it from sticking together, you’ll need:

 

– 3 1/2 tablespoons powdered sugar

– 3 ½ tablespoons cornstarch

 

Flavor Variations

 

While rosewater is the classic choice, you can experiment with various flavors to make your lokum unique:

 

– Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.

– Citrus: Or you can add a bit of lemon or orange to brighten the taste as a whole.

– Bergamot: Has a sophisticated aromatic flavor.

– Mint: It’s perfect for summer, and a refreshing twist.

 

How to Make Lokum at Home

So let’s explore how to make your own lokum. This is not the most difficult recipe I make, but it does require careful attention to steps 4 and 5 for best flavor and texture. Just follow these steps carefully and you will have a batch of delightful homemade Turkish delight.

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

 

Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or plastic wrap then start. This is absolutely imperative so that the lokum doesn’t stick and makes it easier to get off once set.

 

Step 2: Make the Dusting Mixture

 

In a small bowl mix together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. Some you’ll want to set aside, to sprinkle over the candy once it is set, which will help keep the pieces from sticking together.

 

Step 3: Create the Sugar Syrup

 

In large saucepan, combine the superfine sugar, lemon juice and 1 ¾ cups water. Heat the mixture on medium low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. At this stage, don’t let it boil, you want to control the temperature.

 

Step 4: Cornstarch Mixture preparation.

 

In another bowl, mix ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ½ cup cold water. Add the mixture slowly, making sure it’s lump free into the sugar syrup.

 

Step 5: Add Gelatin and Cook

 

Whisk the syrup and sprinkle the gelatin over that until it’s completely dissolved. The candy thermometer is brought into use at this point then, let the mixture come to a boil being careful to monitor the temperature. You need to get 250°F, and this is termed as hardball stage. Be patient, it will take about 20 minutes to do this step, stir often.

 

Step 6: Flavor and Set the Candy

 

Remove it from heat once your mixture thickens and turns slightly pale yellow. Then add the rosewater and any food coloring you want to add. Spread the mixture into your ready dish and smooth it on top to achieve uniform thickness.

 

Step 7: Let It Set

 

And this is the toughest part—waiting. Let the lokum cool on a cool part of your countertop. Let it sit for 10-12 hours ideally, but 24 hours isn’t a bad place to sit it for the texture.

 

Step 8: Cut and Dust

 

Melt the lokum and when it is set, dust a cutting board with some of the reserved dusting mixture. Place the candy upside down on the board and take the parchment paper off. To chop the candy into cubes, use a sharp knife, or a bench scraper. To keep rolling then stick.

 

Step 9: Optional Glitter

 

An edible glitter sprinkle for a festive lokum cubes presentation.

 

Step 10: Air Dry

 

Place the cut lokum cubes in single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet and separate some with some space between them. Let them dry for another 24 hours, or longer, though, to keep from being sticky from moisture.

 

Storing Your Homemade Lokum

 

Then once your Turkish delight is ready, put it in an airtight container and store it on your counter at room temperature. It will last for up to a month. And just layer the pieces between sheets of parchment paper to avoid them sticking.

Tips for Success

 

1. Use a Candy Thermometer: On the lokum setting step, it’s important to get the sugar to exactly the right temperature.
2. Be Patient: The candy will also be better when you allow it to set for a full 24 hours before use.
3. Air Drying: This step keeps the homemade lokum from becoming sticky because it sweats.

 

The phenomena of Turkish delight varieties

 

Once you’ve got the basic lokum down, we can talk about all of the different varieties and flavor combinations you can experiment with. Turkish delight world is as diverse as the culture from which it was burned and has different twists in the world.

 

Common Flavors of Lokum

 

– Rosewater Lokum: Classic flavor, delicate floral aroma.

– Mint Lokum: Perfect for summer treat – refreshes and invigorates.

– Citrus Lokum: Lemon or orange bright flavors are an alternative.

– Nutty Lokum: Pistachios or walnuts are added chopped to add a lovely crunch.

 

Unique Add-Ins

 

Read Also This: Baklava Easy Recipe

You can also get creative with additional ingredients:

 

– Coconut: Sole some shredded coconut for a tropical version.

– Dried Fruits: A natural sweetness can be obtained from the incorporation of dried apricots, figs or dates.

– Spices: If you like your spicy flavors you can add hint of cardamom or nutmeg for a warm, spicy note.

 

World of Turkish Street Food

 

Lokum has a particular place in Turkish culture, but it certainly isn’t the only thing you’ll find on offer in the diverse world of Turkish street food. Every time you walk through the busy streets of Istanbul or any Turkish city you will find mouthwatering dishes that depict the nation’s historic culinary legacy.

 

A Culinary Adventure Awaits

 

Not only is flavor, freshness, and the sheer joy of sharing food with others what food is about on Turkish streets, it’s also all about minimalism. Here are some must-try items to explore alongside your lokum:

 

Simit

 

The crispy shell of these sesame covered bagels and soft, chewy interior make them great. Usually street vendors sell it but perfect snack to go! Pair it

 

For a tasty delight with some cheese or olives.

 

Kumpir

 

For locals, kumpir is a stuffed baked potato with cheese, butter and all kinds of vegetables. When I was on the streets, it is a hearty and satisfying option.

 

Döner Kebap

 

You’ll be treated to marinated meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, where it is shaved off and served between fresh vegetables and sauce, in pita bread. And it’s a staple of Turkish food, but really something you have to try if you’re visiting.

Meze

 

Meze are small plates of appetizing and wonderful array of Turkish cuisine. There’s hummus and baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves and eggplant dishes.

This Cultural Significance of Lokum

 

One of Japanese desserts is omiyage or lokum, which we can never conclude it is their best dessert but deep in their culture. As it’s not just a candy, it symbolizes the hospitality, friendship, and the happiness of spending times with your loved ones.

 

A Sweet Gift

 

Lokum is given out during special occasions like weddings or even holidays. A Turkish delight box is a way to show your well wishes to an individual and share a piece of your culture with them.

 

Conclusion: Take the Sweetness of Turkish delight

 

If you have got all the tools and knowhow to make lokum at home, why don’t you get to it now? Making the Turkish delight is something you can choose to stick with the classic rosewater flavor, or get adventurous with your own creations, but the experience is totally rewarding (and delicious).

 

While you eat each piece, contemplate the wonderful background knowledge and meaning of this loved candy. Share it with someone, serve it up as appetizer or as a dessert by yourself. However you like it lokum are sure to bring a smile to your face.

 

When you are next in the vibrant world of Turkish street food, don’t forget to round out the flavors of Turkish with a couple lokum, just for the sake of completing the experience.