LOKUM (TURKISH DELIGHT)

Have you ever tried Turkish delight? This tasty delicacy is one of the best marks of Turkey and all ex Ottoman empire territories including Macedonia! The first version of this delight appeared in the late 18th century.

There are many different types of lokum, regular, flavored with fragrant roses water, with dried fruit, nuts, coconut etc. The best know lokum in Macedonia is Krushevo lokum where Tagas family are preparing it the same way for one century. The recipe is a secret of course and if you ever visit Krushevo, you have to try this lokum. My favorite is the one with walnuts inside.


This recipe is for regular lokum.

Ingredients:

• 25 g sugar (for sprinkling the casserole)
• 500 ml water
• 100 g of corn flour
• 700 g of powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons gelatin
• 2 tablespoons water roses
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Preparation:

1. Place plastic wrap on a larger, preferably translucent baking casserole and sprinkle with a little sugar and corn flour. This is where you're pour the lokum mixture later.
2. Put powdered sugar, lemon juice and 400 ml water in other pot. Cook over low heat until dissolved.
3. Mix corn flour with the remaining 100 ml cold water in another small bowl, then add the sugar syrup. Sprinkle gelatin and stir until lumps disappear. Leave mixture to boil and then boil over medium heat for 20 minutes. Stir constantly. Add nuts in the end. The mixture should thicken and obtain pale yellow colour.
4. Then, place mixture in the prepared container and leave in a cool place overnight.
5. After it hardens, cut into the desired shape and flip each piece in a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking.
6. Delicious homemade delight is ready. Serve with Turkish coffee.

Enjoy!