The Sweet Allure of Soap Sweets: History, Ingredients, and Recipes

The Sweet Allure of Soap Sweets

Soap sweets, also known as Turkish delights, are a decadent confectionery treat that have been enjoyed for centuries. With their seductive flavors and pillowy soft texture, it's easy to understand why these sugar-dusted pieces of candy have stood the test of time. Though soap sweets originated in Turkey, their popularity has spread across the globe. Keep reading to learn all about the history, ingredients, and prep techniques for making soap sweets at home.

A Brief History of Turkish Delight

The origins of soap sweets can be traced back to 18th century Turkey. In 1776, an unknown Turkish confectioner created the very first version of this treat, known locally as lokum. The recipe quickly spread throughout the Ottoman Empire and eventually to nearby Mediterranean regions. As trade routes expanded, so did the reach of the beloved candy.

Soap sweets arrived in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. As more British citizens traveled to Turkey, they longed for the melt-in-your-mouth morsels they had tried there. UK confectioners began recreating the unique candy at home, tweaking recipes and flavors to suit British tastes. By the 1920s, soap sweets had become a staple candy in England and other Commonwealth regions.

One of the biggest pop culture spotlights for Turkish delight came from the novel The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Published in 1950, this children's fantasy book introduced soap sweets to a new generation. Ever since, the treat has been closely associated with the mystical land of Narnia.

Traditional Ingredients

At its core, soap sweets are simple to make. Though versions vary, the basic components are:

• Sugar - Granulated sugar dissolves into the sticky syrup base.
• Cornstarch - This thickening agent gives the candy its stretchy yet solid texture.
• Flavorings - Rosewater, orange blossom water, lemon juice, and vanilla are commonly used.
• Gelatin - Gelatin allows the candy to set up firm enough to hold its shape.
• Water - Hydrates the sugar and gelatin so the mixture can thicken.

Optional mix-ins like pistachios, walnuts, or coconut flakes add crunch and flavor contrast. Dusting the exterior with powdered sugar gives soap sweets their signature sugary crust.

The Craft of Preparation

Part of the appeal of soap sweets lies in their labor-intensive preparation. Each step builds complex layers of flavor and texture:

1. Bloom the gelatin - Gelatin must be hydrated in cold water so it can dissolve.
2. Cook the sugar syrup - Heating sugar and corn syrup together creates a concentrated, candy-like base.
3. Flavor the syrup - Stir in extracts, juices, or extra sugar while the mixture is still hot.
4. Temper in gelatin - Gently incorporate bloomed gelatin so the candy can set.
5. Pour into pans - Allowing the liquid to set up in shallow pans makes cutting easier.
6. Coat in starch - Generously dusting starch on the candy prevents sticking and clumping.
7. Cut into cubes - Use a sharp, oiled knife to slice the slab into small pieces.
8. Toss in sugar - Tumbling the cubes in powdered sugar creates that iconic coating.

This multi-step technique results in Turkish delights that look stunning and deliver on rich, nuanced flavor. It does take practice to perfect the right soft-but-not-sticky texture.

Modern Creative Variations

While traditional rosewater and lemon soap sweets still reign supreme, some confectioners are putting modern twists on these classic candies:

• Unique shapes - Cutting cubes, diamonds, or flower shapes makes for Insta-worthy treats.
• Ombre colors - Blending food dyes into the sugar base creates a rainbow color gradient effect.
• Filled centers - Stuffing the inside with jam, caramel, or ganache provides an unexpected surprise.
• Coconut or almond milk - For a dairy-free version, these can replace regular milk when blooming gelatin.
• Tea infusions - Brewing chai, matcha, or earl grey tea right into the sugar base amps up the flavor.
• Spiked with liqueurs - A splash of rum, amaretto, or limoncello makes for "grown up" soap sweets.

Home cooks are also customizing flavors by using ingredients like coffee, ginger, berries, passionfruit, and red velvet. The possibilities are nearly endless!

Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to enjoy soap sweets:

• On their own - The cubes can be popped straight into your mouth for pure, uncomplicated enjoyment.
• With tea or coffee - Allow the heat to intensify therosewater or fruit flavors.
• Layered in desserts - Add visual appeal by tucking them into trifles or parfaits.
• In milkshakes - Blend a few cubes right into thick, creamy milkshakes.
• On charcuterie - Arrange on meat and cheese boards for a touch of sweet.
• Crumbled as a topping - Sprinkle over cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream sundaes.

Kids and adults alike will love the variety of ways to savor these iconic candies. Just beware - soap sweets tend to disappear quickly!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are soap sweets actually made of soap?

Despite the name, soap sweets contain no actual soap. They are a gel-based candy made from sugar, cornstarch, flavorings, and gelatin. The name "soap sweets" refers to their soft, stretchy texture which may resemble a firm soap or jelly.

Where can I buy soap sweets?

Soap sweets can be found at Middle Eastern markets, specialty candy stores, and even some major grocery chains. Online retailers like Amazon also carry various brands of Turkish delight. For the freshest soap sweets, look for a product made in Turkey.

How long do soap sweets last?

Properly stored, soap sweets can last 2-3 weeks at room temperature. Keeping them refrigerated in an airtight container can extend their shelf life to 6-8 weeks. For long term storage, they can be frozen for up to a year before quality deteriorates.

Can I make soap sweets gluten-free or vegan?

Yes, with a few adjustments! Use cornstarch instead of wheat-based starch for dusting. Swap the gelatin for an alternative like agar agar or pectin. Replace dairy milk with non-dairy milk when blooming the gelatin. With these tweaks, delicious gluten-free and vegan soap sweets can be achieved.

What's the difference between Turkish delight and soap sweets?

Turkish delight and soap sweets are simply two different names for the same candy. Turkish delight is the term more commonly used in Europe to describe this rosewater-flavored Middle Eastern treat. The name soap sweets is prevalent in America and refers to the gummy, gel-like texture.

FAQs

What does soap sweets taste like?

The most popular flavor of soap sweets has a predominant rosewater taste. This floral flavor is delicate and sweet. The gel-like confection often includes nuts like pistachios or walnuts which add texture and a subtle nutty flavor. The cornstarch coating on the outside is mildly sweet and powdery.

Why are they called Turkish delights?

Soap sweets were first created in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century. The Turkish name for this candy is lokum, but the English name became Turkish delight. The whimsical, playful name refers to the joyful treat-like eating experience these candies provide.

How do you cut soap sweets?

Use a sharp knife lightly coated in oil or cooking spray to cut soap sweets. Cut them while they are still slightly warm and sticky, but have firmed up enough to hold their shape. Cut them into small cubes no more than 1-inch square for the best texture.

What are halal soap sweets?

Halal soap sweets are made without any animal byproducts or alcohol, conforming to Islamic dietary laws. Agar agar is used as a vegetarian gelatin alternative. All ingredients and manufacturing processes are certified halal.

Can you make soap sweets without nuts?

Yes, nut-free soap sweets are easy to make. Simply omit the pistachios, walnuts, or other nuts from the recipe. You can add dried fruit like apricots, raisins, cranberries or coconut flakes instead for extra texture and flavor.