| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 90 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 382 | 0g | 0g | 98g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 68g | 1g | 0g | 0.02g |
I am incredibly excited to share this astonishingly delicious recipe for Mastic Flavored Turkish Delight. As an Indian-American culinary enthusiast integrating my Californian and Gujarati backgrounds into my cooking, I constantly discover new ways to showcase my love for bringing diverse flavors together.
A Twist on a Turkish Classic
Mastic Flavored Turkish Delight is a wonderfully creative spin on a traditional Turkish treat. Lavishly flavored with mastic gum powder and infused with a selection of vibrant fruits, this recipe is a delightful amalgamation of textures and taste. I have a fondness for this dish because it reminds me somewhat of the Indian ‘halwa’, often served as a dessert in traditional Gujarati households such as my own. And although this recipe is distinctly different and uniquely Turkish, it’s that comforting familiarity that makes it a surefire hit!
Power Packed With Healthy Fruits
Another reason this recipe is very close to my heart is the health benefits it provides. Nothing can beat the fresh burst of mixed fruits that accompany every bite. Strawberries, blueberries, cherries – take your pick. Each fruit brings a plethora of health benefits, including a high content of antioxidants, vitamin C, and much more. Topping it off with a drizzle of lemon juice not only boosts the flavor but also infuses your treat with a strong dose of Vitamin C. Here’s a link to learn more about the wonderful health benefits of consuming fruits.
Fitting Companions for a Turkish Treat
While Mastic Flavored Turkish Delight is a standout on its own, it can be quite a pleasing accompaniment to a variety of dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with subtle and spiced teas, like this Classic Spiced Chai Tea or a lovely, aromatic Echinacea Tea.
In all honesty, every culinary adventure that allows me to infuse my love for both American and Gujarati cuisine into a dish is a journey well worth it. I hope you will enjoy making your own version of Mastic Flavored Turkish Delight as much as I did. So, put on your favourite apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s start cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of granulated sugar
- 1.25 cups of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1.5 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon mastic gum powder
- 1 cup fruit juice (your preference)
- 1/2 cup of diced mixed fruits (strawberries, blueberries, cherries)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 3/4 cup of icing sugar for dusting
Method
Step One
Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of fruit juice in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon cream of tartar. Gradually add 1 cup of water while stirring continuously, until the mixture is smooth without lumps.
Step Three
Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the sugar and fruit juice mixture, stirring continuously. The mixture should start to thicken.
Step Four
Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for 20-25 minutes until the mixture becomes a thick, sticky paste.
Step Five
Add the mastic gum powder, diced mixed fruits, and lemon juice and stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Step Six
Pour the mixture into a greased, dusted with cornstarch rectangular tray. Flatten and smooth the top with a spatula. Allow the Turkish Delight to cool completely for several hours or overnight if possible.
Step Seven
Once set and firm, cut the Turkish Delight into squares with a sharp and greased knife.
Step Eight
Combine the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of cornstarch in a bowl. Coat each piece of Turkish Delight in the mixture.
Step Nine
Dust the Turkish Delight pieces with the icing sugar before serving. Store any left-overs in an airtight container lined with parchment paper.
