Simple seasonal fruits are nice to make jam and give as a gift. Ayva Lokumu is more than candy. A traditional sweet with a good balance of quince tartness and spicy heat. If you want to know how to make Turkish Delight at home, the process is simple. All you need is patience and the right ingredients.
Basic ingredients
Before you start, gather the supplies you need. This recipe uses fresh, firm quinces. You need four of these. A cinnamon stick adds depth. Two or three dried hibiscus flowers provide a subtle floral scent and subtle color. You need boiling water and a cup of granulated sugar. Finally, add a handful of hazelnuts for added crunch.
“Ayva lokumu is more than just a dessert. It is an indication of slow cooking and simple, high-quality ingredients.”
Preparing the Quince Base
The first step is preparation. Carefully peel the skin off the quinces. if left on, the skin can be tough and bitter. Cut into large pieces. No need for small portions here. Large pieces break down more evenly during long cooking.
Put the chopped quince in a thick-bottomed pot. Add cinnamon sticks and hibiscus flowers. Pour enough water to cover the fruit by about two finger-widths. This softens the fruit without turning it mushy too quickly. Cook for 35-40 minutes. The goal is to soften the fruit until it yields to a fork.
When the time is up, take the pot off the heat. Remove the cinnamon sticks and hibiscus flowers. Throw them away. You have extracted all the flavors they had to offer.
Blending and Reducing
Transfer the softened quince mixture to a large bowl. Purée it with a blender or food processor. It should have a smooth, uniform consistency. Any lumps will remain in the final product. This process is quick but makes a huge difference in texture.
Return the puree to the clean pot. Now comes the reduction. Cook the mixture on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. You’re looking for a paste-like consistency. The mixture should become quite thick. It should pull away from the edges of the pot.
Adding Sweetness and Crunch
This is where the flavor profile changes. Add 1 cup of sugar to the thick quince paste. Stir constantly. You need to wait until the sugar dissolves completely. This may take several minutes. Don’t rush this step. Otherwise, crystallized sugar can remain in your lokum.
While the sugar is mixing, prepare the nuts. Grind the hazelnuts in a food processor until they resemble coarse flour. Don’t over process it into nut butter. You want texture, not paste.
When the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble a little, take the pot off the heat. Add the ground hazelnuts and mix. Bake lightly with residual heat to distribute them evenly.
Setting and Serving
Pour the thick mixture into a rectangular glass baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. The surface must be smooth. This helps with