Description
Turkish Delight Roll, also known as Lokum, is a delightful confection made by combining a glossy nougat base with a rich hazelnut filling. This traditional treat features toasted hazelnuts and almonds, enveloped in a soft, chewy nougat roll coated in chopped nuts, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, nutty flavor, and texture. Ideal for festive occasions or as an indulgent snack, this recipe guides you through making a luscious, homemade lokum roll with layers of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Nougat
- 2 Egg whites
- 250 g Sugar (1¼ cups) (granulated)
- 120 ml Water (½ cup)
- 100 g Honey thick (⅓ cup)
- 5 g Gelatin (1/2 packet)
- 1 tsp Vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract)
- Pinch Salt
- Vegetable oil (for greasing)
Dusting and Coating
- 120 g Cornstarch (1 cup)
- 200 g Roasted hazelnuts (½ cups)
- 100 g Powdered sugar (¾ cup)
- 3–4 tbsp Sweetened condensed milk
- 50–70 g Chopped roasted almonds (1/2 cup)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract or powder
- Pinch Salt
Instructions
- Make the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and honey. Heat the mixture while stirring until it reaches 140°C (285°F) using a candy thermometer. This hot syrup is the base for the nougat.
- Whip the Egg Whites: While the syrup is heating, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla powder or extract if using to flavor the egg whites.
- Soften Gelatin: Soak gelatin sheets in cold water until they soften. Squeeze out excess water and stir the softened gelatin into the hot syrup to dissolve completely before mixing with the egg whites.
- Combine Syrup and Egg Whites: Slowly pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites while continuously beating at high speed. Continue to beat for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and creamy.
- Spread the Nougat: Grease a silicone mat or parchment paper with vegetable oil. Pour the nougat mixture onto it and gently spread out using greased hands. Allow it to rest uncovered at room temperature overnight so it sets properly.
- Toast the Nuts: Toast hazelnuts in the oven for 10 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Toast almonds similarly. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: Blend toasted hazelnuts until smooth. Add powdered sugar and blend again. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk until you achieve a soft yet firm paste consistency. Incorporate vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for flavor.
- Mix in Chopped Almonds: Roughly chop half of the toasted almonds and mix them into the hazelnut filling. Reserve the remaining almonds for coating the roll later.
- Shape the Filling: Divide the filling into two logs, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight to firm up.
- Work the Nougat: The next day, grease a rolling pin with vegetable oil and roll out the nougat on the silicone mat. Fold and roll the nougat 3-4 times, using extra cornstarch dusted on the surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Roll: Roll out the nougat into a square shape. Place the hazelnut filling logs along the edges and roll inward, forming two complete turns. Trim any excess nougat for a clean finish.
- Coat the Roll: Lightly wet your hands and the rolled nougat so that it becomes tacky. Roll the entire log in chopped toasted almonds to coat the surface evenly.
- Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the Turkish Delight roll into slices about 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick. Serve fresh and enjoy this chewy, nutty confection.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately reach the correct syrup temperature of 140°C (285°F) for the best nougat texture.
- Grease hands and rolling pin with vegetable oil to prevent sticking when working with the nougat.
- Store the Turkish Delight roll in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- You can substitute hazelnuts with pistachios or walnuts for variation in flavor and texture.
- Ensure gelatin is fully dissolved in hot syrup before combining with egg whites to avoid lumps.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Keywords: Turkish Delight, Lokum, nougat roll, hazelnut filling, homemade dessert, Turkish sweets, nutty confection, chewy candy, roasted hazelnuts, almond coating
