Effortless Lemon Ice Cream
Traditional Turkish Delight with Rosewater and Pistachios (Lokum)
Ingredients
For the Turkish Delight:
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 3/4 cups water (divided)
- 1 tablespoon rosewater
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- Red food coloring (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Instructions
Preparing the Sugar Syrup:
- In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups water, and lemon juice.
- Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Continue boiling until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C), then remove from heat.
Preparing the Cornstarch Mixture:
- In another large saucepan, whisk together 1 cup of cornstarch, cream of tartar, and 2 3/4 cups of water until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
Combining and Cooking:
- Gradually pour the hot sugar syrup into the thickened cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 60-90 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light golden color and is very thick and gluey.
- Stir in the rosewater, chopped pistachios, and a few drops of red food coloring if using. Mix until well combined.
Setting the Turkish Delight:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with plastic wrap and lightly grease it.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and let it set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Preparing the Coating:
- In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and cornstarch.
Cutting and Coating:
- Once the Turkish Delight is fully set, remove it from the dish and peel off the plastic wrap.
- Use a sharp knife dusted with the powdered sugar mixture to cut the Turkish Delight into small squares.
- Roll each square in the powdered sugar mixture to coat all sides.
Serving:
- Arrange the Turkish Delight on a serving platter.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container with additional powdered sugar mixture to prevent sticking.