Sour cherries are known for their deliciously tart flavor and are often used in baking, preserves, and sauces. But did you know that you can also repurpose the pits into something delightful? In this article, we’ll show you how to use sour cherry pits to create a homemade sour cherry delight that resembles Turkish delight. This simple recipe not only reduces kitchen waste but also delivers a sweet, flavorful treat with a gelatinous consistency. Let’s dive into how you can make this unique dessert at home.
What You’ll Need
- Sour cherry pits (from approximately 3 kilograms of cherries)
- 1 glass of water (200 ml)
- 1 tea glass of starch (approximately 100 ml)
- 1 tea glass of water (100 ml)
- 200 grams of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Oiled baking paper or a greased glass container
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sour Cherry Pit Mixture
After removing the pits from your sour cherries, don’t throw them away! Place the cherry pits in a large bowl and add one glass of water (200 ml). Give them a good stir to loosen any remaining flesh and allow the water to absorb that delicious cherry flavor. Let the mixture sit for 20-30 minutes to infuse the water with the essence. Then, strain the liquid into a separate bowl or pan to remove the pits, and set the cherry-flavored liquid aside.
2. Mix the Starch
In a small bowl, combine 1 tea glass of starch with 1 tea glass of water (100 ml). Stir the mixture until the starch dissolves completely and forms a smooth, lump-free consistency. The starch will act as a thickening agent for your cherry delight, giving it the signature chewy, gelatinous texture of Turkish delight.
3. Start Cooking the Cherry Mixture
Take the strained sour cherry liquid and pour it into a saucepan. Add 200 grams of sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Slowly pour the starch mixture into the cherry liquid while continuously stirring. Keep stirring to prevent lumps from forming. As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken.
4. Cook Until Thickened
Continue stirring the mixture over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and gelatinous, just like traditional Turkish delight or a soft jelly.
5. Prepare the Mold
While the mixture is still hot, prepare your mold. Grease a glass container or any heat-safe dish with oil using a brush or line it with oiled baking paper. This step is crucial to prevent the cherry delight from sticking to the mold. Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared mold and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.
6. Let It Set
Place the mold in the refrigerator and let the sour cherry delight set overnight. The cooling process will solidify the mixture and give it the perfect texture.
7. Cut into Cubes
The next day, remove the mold from the fridge. Gently lift the cherry delight out of the mold if you used baking paper, or use a knife to carefully separate the edges from the container. Dust your workspace with starch to prevent sticking, and then cut the cherry delight into small, bite-sized cubes. You can dust the cubes with a little more starch if needed to keep them from sticking together.
Serving and Storing Your Homemade Sour Cherry Delight
Your homemade sour cherry delight is now ready to enjoy! It offers a wonderful balance of tart cherry flavor and a sweet, chewy texture that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. The addition of lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness to the flavor, making this treat a healthier and more natural alternative to store-bought Turkish delights.
If you have any leftovers, store the cherry delight in an airtight container at room temperature. It should keep well for several days, making it an excellent homemade gift or a delightful snack to enjoy throughout the week.
Why Reuse Sour Cherry Pits?
Using sour cherry pits in this creative way not only helps reduce kitchen waste but also allows you to extract more flavor and value from the fruit. By repurposing the pits, you transform what would typically be discarded into a delicious, homemade treat that everyone can enjoy. Plus, this recipe is simple and cost-effective, utilizing minimal ingredients that you likely already have at home.
The result is a delightful dessert that showcases the tart, fruity flavor of sour cherries in a unique and traditional way. Whether you’re a fan of Turkish delight or looking for a new way to use sour cherries, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can turn sour cherry pits into a sweet and chewy treat that rivals traditional Turkish delights. Not only does this recipe help reduce waste, but it also offers a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. So the next time you find yourself with a bowl of sour cherry pits, don’t throw them away—transform them into something delicious!
