This classic Turkish confectionary flavoured with rose water has been given a makeover to make it sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan and naturally coloured.
📖 Recipe
Sugar-free Turkish Delight
Yield:
10
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
A beautiful rose-scented treat made sugar-free, vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 800 ml water
- 80 g / ⅔ cup arrowroot powder or tapioca flour
- 4 tbsp agar powder
- 150 g / ¾ cup xylitol
- 1 tsp beetroot powder or juice, for colouring
- 1 ½ tbsp rose water
For dusting:
- 4 tbsp arrowroot powder
- 4 tbsp xylitol
Instructions
- Mix 100ml of the water with the arrowroot powder in a bowl and set aside for later. Line a small tin with parchment paper.
- Add the remaining 700ml of water to a large saucepan and sprinkle the agar powder on top. Bring to a medium heat and whisk in the xylitol. Allow the mixture to come to a boil and then reduce to a low simmer, whisking until the xylitol and agar have dissolved.
- Once dissolved, add the mixture to a blender and mix with the beetroot powder and the arrowroot mixture you made earlier. Blend until smooth and thick. Return to the saucepan.
- Bring back to a low-medium heat and stir gently until the mixture becomes very thick and stretchy. Remove from the heat and stir in the rose water until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth it out evenly. Leave to cool and set in the fridge overnight.
- The next day, prepare an icing sugar by blending the arrowroot and xylitol together until it forms a fine powder. Warning: it will create a lot of dust! Alternatively, use a mixture of ordinary icing powder and arrowroot powder. The arrowroot powder is necessary to stop the Turkish delight from sticking or going soggy.
- Remove the Turkish delight from the fridge and cut into small squares. Coat in the powdered sugar and enjoy!
Notes
Xylitol is a natural low carb sweetener that can be found in most supermarkets or health food shops.
Vicky says
I've never been a great lover of Turkish Delight but my husband is! Not having been to Turkey, I think I've missed out a little! WOnderful recipe and photos Aimee!
Lauren Hairston says
I haven't been to Istanbul, but my best friend visited there a couple of years ago. The photographs were amazing.
I'm one of those people who can spot non-sugar sweeteners (like aspartame or whatever Splenda is) from a mile off so I've been hesitant so far to try something with xylitol. Your Turkish Delight looks tempting, though!
Laura says
Lauren,
We use xylitol all the time at our home, buying it in 50lb bags at a time. it is sure worth its weight in gold. It doesn't have any aftertaste or lingering taste. you could easily use it to replace sugar and will not taste the difference. it combats bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities. it is a sugar alcohol, and is best when derived from birch trees. it should not be clumped with scary saccharin or other artificial sweeteners. Give it a try! I think you will be surprised!
Nash Khan says
Aimée, I've been to Istanbul and it's my favorite travel destination even tho' I've been to loads of other places. :D Your post brought back so many memories! And I LOVE this homemade recreation of Turkish Delights, beautiful job <3
miss messy says
Sugar free! Wow that's awesome! :) Love your board!
Aysegul - Ice says
Aimee,
As someone who is from Turkey, I have to say, my hat is off to you!
I couldn't even imagine trying to make Turkish Delight and yet you made it gluten-free and vegan.
I am sharing this right now on my personal FB with all my family and friends.
When it comes to inspiration, I am big on burgundy and gold colors. Mainly for authentic, Ottoman jewelry. In terms of home decor, I love those tones overall in the house.
Great post. You should be proud of yourself!
Cheers!
Ice