Description
This Rose Water Turkish Delight recipe creates a traditional, fragrant, and chewy sweet treat made with gelatin, sugar, and infused with delicate rose water. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a delightful snack, these pink-hued cubes are coated with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. The process involves simmering, setting overnight, and simple slicing, delivering an authentic taste of Turkish confections.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Turkish Delight:
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups water
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin (or 2 tbsp powdered gelatin)
- 1½ tsp high-quality rose water
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional, for pink hue)
For Coating:
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9-inch cake pan with foil, ensuring there is an overhang for easy removal later, and lightly coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Mixture: In a large pot, combine the granulated sugar, water, and gelatin. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium and let it simmer for 20 minutes while stirring constantly to dissolve the gelatin and sugar completely.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the rose water for fragrance and add red food coloring if you desire a pink tint to your Turkish Delight.
- Set the Mixture: Pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight until it is fully set and firm.
- Remove and Prepare for Cutting: Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar onto a cutting board. Carefully flip the set jelly onto the board and gently peel off the foil.
- Slice the Delight: Using a sharp knife, cut the Turkish Delight into small cubes for serving.
- Coat the Pieces: Roll each cube generously in confectioners’ sugar to prevent pieces from sticking together.
- Store or Serve: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, maintaining freshness and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer a vegan version, agar-agar can be used as a substitute for gelatin, but the texture may vary slightly.
- Using high-quality rose water is essential for the best aromatic flavor.
- Red food coloring is optional and purely for aesthetic appeal—omit if you want a natural color.
- Ensure the mixture simmers gently and is stirred continuously to prevent burning or uneven texture.
- Coating in confectioners’ sugar is crucial to prevent sticking and to add a slight sweetness to the exterior.
- Store Turkish Delight in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Keywords: Turkish Delight, Rose Water, Gelatin Dessert, Middle Eastern Sweet, Traditional Candy
