Pismaniye (Turkish Cotton Candy) Recipe – Turkey Special
Pismaniya, also known as Pismanya, is a sweet delicacy commonly found in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. It resembles cotton candy in its light and airy texture but is often enhanced with distinctive flavors such as rosewater, vanilla, or fruit essences. This treat offers a unique, aromatic variation on the traditional cotton candy experience.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time10 min
- Perform Time2 hr
- Total Time2 hr 25 min
Pismaniye (Turkish Cotton Candy) Ingredients :
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or other flavorings like rosewater)
- 1 cup cornstarch (for dusting and texture)
- Butter or oil (for greasing)
Equipment:
- Large heavy-bottomed pan
- Candy thermometer
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Silicone mat or parchment paper
- Scissors
How to Make Pismaniye (Turkish Cotton Candy)
Prepare the Work Area:
Lightly grease a silicone mat or parchment paper with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the Sugar Mixture:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine the sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice.
Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
Continue boiling until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C), also known as the soft-ball stage.
Add Flavoring:
Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the pan from heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract or other flavorings.
Cool the Mixture:
Pour the hot syrup onto the prepared silicone mat or parchment paper.
Let it cool slightly until it’s just warm enough to handle (about 5-10 minutes).
Stretch and Pull:
Lightly grease your hands or use an oiled spatula.
Begin stretching and folding the candy mixture. This step is crucial as it helps create the fluffy texture. Keep pulling and folding until the candy becomes light and airy.
Form the Pismaniya:
Once the candy is fluffy and manageable, pull it into thin strands or rope-like shapes.
You can also use scissors to cut the candy into smaller pieces or shapes if desired.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the Pismaniya to cool completely before serving.
Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from becoming sticky.
Recipe Notes:
- Cornstarch: Dusting your hands or work surface with cornstarch can help prevent the candy from sticking.
- Texture: The texture of Pismaniya should be light and airy, similar to traditional cotton candy, but it’s more durable and less delicate.
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different flavorings like rosewater or citrus zest for a unique twist.
This process can be a bit tricky, especially the stretching and pulling part, but with practice, you can get the hang of it!
