Turkish delight: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:36, 23 March 2025

A confectionery made from starch and sugar

Turkish delight, also known as lokum, is a family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar. It is often flavored with rosewater, mastic, bergamot orange, or lemon. The confection is cut into small cubes and dusted with icing sugar, copra, or powdered cream of tartar to prevent clinging.

History[edit]

The origins of Turkish delight date back to the late 18th century in the Ottoman Empire. It is believed that the confection was created by Bekir Efendi, who opened a confectionery shop in Istanbul in 1777. The sweet quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Turkish cuisine.

Ingredients and Preparation[edit]

The basic ingredients of Turkish delight include sugar, starch, water, and flavorings. The mixture is boiled until it reaches the desired consistency, then poured into a mold to set. Once set, it is cut into cubes and dusted with powdered sugar or desiccated coconut to prevent sticking.

Flavor Variations[edit]

Turkish delight comes in a variety of flavors and textures. Common flavors include:

Rosewater
Lemon
Orange
Pistachio
Walnut
Hazelnut

Cultural Significance[edit]

Turkish delight holds a special place in Turkish culture and is often served as a gesture of hospitality. It is also a popular gift during holidays and special occasions. The confection has spread beyond Turkey and is enjoyed in many countries around the world.

Modern Variations[edit]

In addition to traditional flavors, modern variations of Turkish delight include chocolate-covered varieties and those with added nuts or dried fruits.

Related Confections[edit]

Turkish delight is similar to other gelatinous confections found in the Middle East and the Balkans. It is related to the Greek "loukoumi" and the Cypriot "loukoumia."

Related Pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Kaymak-flavored Turkish delight
Fruit-flavored Turkish delight
Armenian cigarette cookies with Turkish delight
Sweets at the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul

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-'''Turkish Delight''' or '''Lokum''' is a family of confections based on a gel of [[starch]] and [[sugar]]. Originating from [[Turkey]], this sweet treat is often flavored with [[rosewater]], [[lemon]], or [[mint]] and dusted with [[icing sugar]] before serving.
+{{short description|A confectionery made from starch and sugar}}
+{{other uses}}
-== History ==
+[[File:TurkishDelightDisplay.jpg|A display of various Turkish delights|thumb|right]]
-The history of Turkish Delight dates back to the [[Ottoman Empire]] when it was introduced to Istanbul during the 17th century. The confectionery was originally a luxury product, but it became more accessible to the public over time. The name "Turkish Delight" was coined in the 19th century by an unknown British traveler who fell in love with the sweet and sent boxes of it back to Britain.
-== Preparation ==
+'''Turkish delight''', also known as '''lokum''', is a family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar. It is often flavored with rosewater, mastic, bergamot orange, or lemon. The confection is cut into small cubes and dusted with icing sugar, copra, or powdered cream of tartar to prevent clinging.
-The preparation of Turkish Delight involves a careful process of boiling sugar syrup until it reaches a specific [[temperature]]. Starch and flavorings are then added to the syrup. The mixture is poured into a mold and allowed to cool before it is cut into small, square pieces and dusted with icing sugar.
-== Varieties ==
+==History==
-There are many varieties of Turkish Delight, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular varieties include the classic rosewater flavor, as well as [[pistachio]], [[hazelnut]], and [[pomegranate]]. Some versions of Turkish Delight also include small pieces of [[nuts]] or dried [[fruit]].
+The origins of Turkish delight date back to the late 18th century in the Ottoman Empire. It is believed that the confection was created by Bekir Efendi, who opened a confectionery shop in Istanbul in 1777. The sweet quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Turkish cuisine.
-== Cultural Significance ==
+==Ingredients and Preparation==
-Turkish Delight holds a significant place in Turkish culture. It is often served during holidays and special occasions, and is a common gift item. The sweet is also featured in literature, most notably in [[C.S. Lewis]]'s ''[[The Chronicles of Narnia]]'' series, where it is used as a plot device.
+The basic ingredients of Turkish delight include sugar, starch, water, and flavorings. The mixture is boiled until it reaches the desired consistency, then poured into a mold to set. Once set, it is cut into cubes and dusted with powdered sugar or desiccated coconut to prevent sticking.
-== See Also ==
+===Flavor Variations===
-* [[List of Turkish desserts]]
+Turkish delight comes in a variety of flavors and textures. Common flavors include:
+* '''Rosewater'''
+* '''Lemon'''
+* '''Orange'''
+* '''Pistachio'''
+* '''Walnut'''
+* '''Hazelnut'''
+[[File:Turkish_Delight.JPG|Traditional Turkish delight|thumb|left]]
+==Cultural Significance==
+Turkish delight holds a special place in Turkish culture and is often served as a gesture of hospitality. It is also a popular gift during holidays and special occasions. The confection has spread beyond Turkey and is enjoyed in many countries around the world.
+==Modern Variations==
+In addition to traditional flavors, modern variations of Turkish delight include chocolate-covered varieties and those with added nuts or dried fruits.
+[[File:T_Honey.jpg|Honey-flavored Turkish delight|thumb|right]]
+==Related Confections==
+Turkish delight is similar to other gelatinous confections found in the Middle East and the Balkans. It is related to the Greek "loukoumi" and the Cypriot "loukoumia."
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Baklava]]
+* [[Halva]]
+* [[Middle Eastern cuisine]]
 * [[Ottoman cuisine]]
-* [[Candy]]
+[[File:Turkish_delight_surrounded_by_layers_of_nougat_and_dried_apricot.jpg|Turkish delight with nougat and dried apricot|thumb|left]]
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+File:KaymakLokum_(3).JPG|Kaymak-flavored Turkish delight
+File:Rahat_cu_aroma_de_fructe.jpg|Fruit-flavored Turkish delight
+File:Armenian_Cigarette_Cookies.jpg|Armenian cigarette cookies with Turkish delight
+File:Sweets_on_Spice_Bazaar_in_Istanbul_02.jpg|Sweets at the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul
+</gallery>
 [[Category:Turkish cuisine]]
 [[Category:Confectionery]]
-{{food-stub}}
+[[Category:Middle Eastern cuisine]]