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**Orange Turkish Delight (Lokum): A Delightful Treat for Your Taste Buds**
In this recipe, we’re giving a refreshing twist to traditional Turkish Delight with the addition of **orange**, creating a fragrant, citrusy version that’s perfect for anyone who loves a combination of sweetness and a zesty burst of flavor. This **Orange Turkish Delight (Lokum)** is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with a beautiful orange aroma that will make your kitchen smell absolutely divine.
Whether you’re looking to add a unique touch to your dessert table or simply indulge in a homemade sweet treat, **Orange Turkish Delight** is the way to go. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making this melt-in-your-mouth candy that’s sure to impress your guests.
1. **Unique Flavor**: The addition of fresh orange juice and zest creates a tangy, refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and the delicate floral notes of the traditional lokum. It’s a citrusy twist that makes this treat feel vibrant and modern.
2. **Soft and Chewy Texture**: Lokum is known for its smooth and chewy consistency. The texture of this homemade version is far superior to store-bought varieties, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
4. **Customizable**: While this recipe features orange flavor, Turkish Delight can easily be made in a variety of other flavors—such as rose, lemon, or pomegranate—depending on your preferences.
### Ingredients for Orange Turkish Delight (Lokum)
– **2 cups granulated sugar**
– **1 cup water** (for the syrup)
– **1/4 cup fresh orange juice** (about 1 large orange)
– **1 tablespoon grated orange zest**
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice**
– **1/2 teaspoon citric acid** (optional, but it helps stabilize the mixture)
– **1/2 cup cornstarch** (cornflour)
– **1 1/4 cups water** (for the cornstarch mixture)
– **1 teaspoon rosewater** (optional, but it adds a floral hint, which is traditional in lokum)
– **1/4 teaspoon salt**
– **Powdered sugar** (for dusting)
– **Chopped pistachios** (optional, for a crunchy contrast)
### How to Make Orange Turkish Delight (Lokum)
#### 1. **Prepare the Pan**
– Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the Turkish Delight once it’s set. You can also dust the pan lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
#### 2. **Make the Syrup**
– In a medium saucepan, combine **2 cups of granulated sugar** and **1 cup of water**. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
– Add **fresh orange juice**, **lemon juice**, and **grated orange zest** to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for about **15 minutes**. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t boil over.
– Optional: Add **citric acid** to help preserve the structure of the syrup and enhance the citrus flavor.
4. **Combine the Syrups**
– Gradually add the cornstarch mixture into the simmering syrup while stirring constantly. Continue to cook on low heat for about **45-60 minutes**, stirring frequently to prevent the mixture from burning. You’ll notice that the mixture will start to thicken to a pudding-like consistency.
– Once the mixture has thickened and is glossy, add the **rosewater** (if using) and a pinch of **salt**. Stir to combine.