Loukoumi (Greek Delight) – Traditional Chewy Candy

Loukoumi (Greek Delight) – Traditional Chewy Candy

Loukoumi, sometimes called Greek Turkish Delight, is a beloved confection that epitomizes Greek hospitality. These small cubes of sweet jelly are traditionally served at the start or end of a meal, often alongside an espresso or cup of herbal tea. In many Greek homes, it is customary to offer guests loukoumi on a plate or in a glass, a gesture of welcome and friendship. The candy’s delicate chew comes from a simple paste of sugar and starch, yet its flavor can be lavish. Rosewater, orange flower water, citrus peel, or the resin of Chios mastiha might be folded into the mix, infusing each bite with floral or herbal notes. The pieces are dusted generously with powdered (icing) sugar to keep them from sticking and to add a final touch of sweetness.

The origins of loukoumi lie in the Ottoman world, where lokum was common, but Greeks have made it their own. On the island of Syros in the 19th century, for example, loukoumi took on a special identity: local water and rose sugar produced an unmatched flavor, and the island’s cafes and shops became famous for it. Over time, variations emerged. Moustokouloukouma includes grape must, akanes adds roasted almonds, and soutzouk loukoum is skewered walnut-filled paste. These continue to delight Greeks and visitors alike. Although modern factories now churn out many sweet treats, artisan loukoumi – still cut by hand and made without chemical additives – remains an iconic symbol of Greek sweets.

Today, the candy can be found in flavors like bergamot or bergamot-lemon blend, but the classic is softly floral. Imagine popping a piece into your mouth: first the fine sugar coating, then a chewy interior that slowly yields to juicy hints of rose or citrus. It is a flavor memory for many Greeks, tied to childhood kitchens or festive events. Loukoumi’s appeal lies in its simplicity and nostalgia. The cooking process takes patience – boiling syrup, thickening with starch, cooling – but it produces a durable candy. Unlike chocolates or pastries, loukoumi keeps for weeks at room temperature if stored in a cool, airtight box.

These little candies are not just dessert; they are part of social ritual. In cafes you might hear, “One coffee, one glass of water, and some loukoumi, please.” In homes, a box of loukoumi is a polite gift when visiting family or friends. Through these customs, loukoumi remains a bridge between generations. Every time someone tastes those chewy cubes, they experience a bit of Greek history – a tradition that has journeyed from ancient Ottoman courts to modern tables.

Loukoumi (Greek Delight) – Traditional Chewy Candy
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Loukoumi (Greek Delight) – Traditional Chewy Candy

Recipe by Travel S HelperCourse: Dessert, Sweet TreatCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Moderate
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

75

minutes
Calories

90

kcal
Setting Time

10

hours

Loukoumi is a chewy Greek confection made by boiling sugar syrup into a paste with corn starch, then flavoring and setting it overnight. This recipe yields soft, translucent cubes scented with rosewater and lemon, and finished with a coating of powdered sugar. Once fully cooled, the firm paste is cut into bite-sized pieces. These sweet, aromatic cubes are perfect for serving with coffee or as a small treat on their own. It takes time and patience to cook and set the loukoumi, but the resulting texture – springy and melt-in-your-mouth – is truly worth the wait.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar – forms the syrup base; dissolves into a thick, sweet gel. (Sweetness; can use white sugar or organic cane.)

  • 1 cup (240 ml) water – to dissolve sugar and make the syrup.

  • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar – (or 1 teaspoon lemon juice). Helps prevent sugar crystallization. Substitution: If unavailable, citric acid (¼ tsp) or more lemon juice works.

  • ¾ cup (90 g) cornstarch – thickens the mixture into the jelly texture. (Guarantees chewiness. Potato starch is an alternate.)

  • ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.

  • Flavoring (choose one or more)

  • 1 tablespoon rose water – classic floral aroma. (Substitution: orange blossom water, mastic resin [finely ground], or 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon/orange zest.)

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest – for a bright citrus note.

  • Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (pistachios or almonds) – stir in at the end for crunch.

  • Powdered (icing) sugar, about 2 cups (240 g) – for dredging the cut cubes. Creates a dry coating so pieces don’t stick. (Can mix with additional cornstarch, 1:1, to help absorb moisture.)

  • Serving suggestion: A pinch of ground cinnamon or extra crushed nuts for garnish (optional).

Directions

  • Prepare the syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, salt, cream of tartar, and water. Heat over medium-high, stirring until sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 15 minutes, skimming any foam.

  • Mix starch slurry: In a separate saucepan, whisk together cornstarch and 1 cup (240 ml) cold water until fully smooth (no lumps). Gradually pour hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly.

  • Cook the paste: Over medium-low heat, cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for 1–1½ hours. Keep it just below boiling. The paste will turn thick, translucent, and glossy. It’s done when it is very thick (will leave streaks on the pot) but still pourable.

  • Add flavors: Remove from heat. Stir in the rose water and lemon zest (and any optional flavoring or chopped nuts) until evenly distributed. The mixture will thin slightly but should remain thick.

  • Set in pan: Grease a shallow 8×8-inch pan with neutral oil. Pour the hot loukoumi mixture into the pan and spread evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for several hours or overnight until fully firm to the touch. (Curing overnight yields the best chew.)

  • Cut and coat: Once set, lightly dust the surface with powdered sugar. Slide a knife or spatula around the edges to release, then lift the slab from the pan. Sprinkle more powdered sugar on top, then cut into small cubes or diamond shapes (about 1–2 inches each).

  • Coat pieces: Toss the cut cubes in a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch (50/50 works well) until all sides are coated. Shake off excess.

  • Store properly: Place coated cubes in an airtight container, layered between parchment. Store at room temperature (cool, dry) for up to 2 weeks. The longer they rest, the chewier they become.

Tips, Serving & Variations

  • Serving & Pairings: Loukoumi is traditionally served at room temperature on a small plate or in a bowl. It pairs beautifully with strong Greek coffee (see Recipe 3) or black tea. For a classic touch, dust the cubes again just before serving to freshen the sugar coating. You can also garnish a serving plate with a light cinnamon dusting or some crushed pistachios around the cubes. In Greece, it’s common to offer a glass of cold water alongside. These candies also make charming party favors or gifts: arrange them in small paper cases or boxes for a sweet memento.
  • Storage & Shelf Life: Store loukoumi in an airtight container at room temperature. The key is to keep moisture away; too much humidity makes them sticky. Properly stored, they last up to 2–3 weeks (though freshest within the first week). Do not refrigerate, as the chill can draw out moisture and soften the sugar coating. Freezing is not recommended since thawing can ruin texture. Over time they lose some softness but remain enjoyable. No reheating is needed – serve them fresh from the jar. If they become too sticky, toss them in fresh powdered sugar before serving.
  • Variations & Substitutions: - Alternate flavors: Swap rose water for orange blossom water or add a few drops of vanilla extract (non-traditional but tasty). Using 1 tablespoon finely crushed mastiha resin gives a piney aromatic Greek touch. For a vibrant twist, add ½ cup pomegranate or orange juice in place of ½ cup water for fruity loukoumi. - Nutty loukoumi: Stir in ½ cup toasted, chopped almonds, pistachios or hazelnuts just before pouring into the pan. The nuts add crunch and richness, like the Venetian-influenced “akanes” treats. - Diet-friendly: Replace granulated sugar with equal weight of erythritol or xylitol (for low-sugar) if you can find them; note texture may differ. For a fully vegan and grain-free version, use arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch (it gels more slowly, so increase cooking time). - Quick set: If short on time, pour the mixture into two smaller pans to speed cooling. You may also chill it in the refrigerator once warm, but be careful: cool too fast and it can crack. - Different shapes: Besides cubes, try cutting loukoumi into diamonds, sticks, or using small cookie cutters for fun shapes (stars, hearts). Just ensure you dust shapes generously.
  • Chef’s Tips: - Patience with texture: The most important step is cooking the starch-sugar mixture long enough. Start stirring early and don’t rush this stage. When the mixture lifts easily with a spoon and has a translucent sheen, it’s ready. - Use a heavy-bottom pot: This helps distribute heat evenly, preventing burning. Keep the flame low once it’s thickening. - Avoid crystals: If sugar grains appear, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or a pinch of cream of tartar at the start (we did this) to inhibit crystallization. - Coating is key: After cutting, tossing the pieces in the sugar-starch mix ensures they don’t stick together and preserves freshness. Do this while the paste is still slightly tacky for best adhesion.
  • Optional Add-Ons: - Shopping list: Rose water or orange blossom water; corn starch; a loaf pan (for setting); extra powdered sugar for coating; optional nuts or flavorings. - Prep ahead: Loukoumi is ideal for advance prep. You can make it 1–2 days ahead of serving (or even up to a week ahead) – store cubes in an airtight tin after coating. This candy improves with a little aging as the texture firms up.
  • Equipment Needed: Medium saucepan – to boil the sugar syrup. A 2–3 quart size is ideal. Heavy-bottom pan or Dutch oven – for the cornstarch mixture (to withstand long simmer). Whisk or heatproof spatula – for constant stirring. 8×8-inch pan or similar shallow baking dish – to set the loukoumi slab. (Greased or lined with nonstick spray.) Knife – sharp, for cutting the firm jelly. Mixing bowls – for whisking starch slurry and for coating sugar mix. Sifter or fine sieve – to dust powdered sugar on top of the slab. Measuring cups/spoons – for precise ingredient quantities.

Nutrition Facts (per 2 cubes, ~50 g)

Calories

Carbohydrates

Protein

Fat

Fiber

Sodium

Allergens

~90

23 g

0 g

0 g

0 g

5 mg

Gluten-free, nut-free (unless added)

Serving is approximately two small cubes. The bulk of calories are from sugars.

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