Alegria (Mexican Amaranth Candy)
User Reviews
4.9
Alegria (Mexican Amaranth Candy)
Description
Alegria features amaranth seeds that are toasted until they pop, similar to tiny popcorn. This popping is done in batches on medium heat to avoid burning. Separately, a syrup is prepared by dissolving piloncillo bars, a type of light brown unrefined sugar, along with honey and water until fully combined. After the amaranth seeds are popped and the syrup is cooled slightly, the seeds are mixed into the syrup until coated evenly.
The sticky mixture is then spread onto an oiled baking tray and pressed flat with a rolling pin to create an even layer. Left to cool and harden, the mixture forms a firm candy that can be cut into bars or other shapes. The final candy combines the light crispness of popped amaranth with the caramel-like sweetness of piloncillo and honey.
Additional ingredients such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, or raisins may be added for variety and texture. The recipe size fits a tray approximately 30 cm wide and 20 cm tall.
Ingredients
- 100 gr amaranth seeds
- 3 piloncillo for the syrup, light brown, small bars
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Begin by popping open the amaranth seeds first. To do this, heat a pan with a glass lid on medium heat. Throw in a few seeds to check for the right temperature.
- Once it's reached the right temperature for popping, work in batches, adding one tablespoon at a time, and pop the amaranth seeds. Transfer them out into a bowl when they stop popping. Keep an eye on the ones you add because they have a tendency to burn.
- Next, break the piloncillo bars into the same saucepan, add the honey and water and warm the mixture, stirring, until fully dissolved. Set aside to cool.
- Add the pop amaranth to the syrup and stir until all the amaranth seeds are covered.
- Oil a baking tray add the amaranth/syrup mixture and press down with a rolling pin until evenly spread in the tray.
- Leave it to cool for a couple of hours. Once hardened cut into whatever shapes you like and serve
Notes
- Add pumpkin seeds, almonds, raisins, or other nuts to the mixture for additional texture and flavor.
- The recipe yields a candy batch sized for a 30 cm (12-inch) diameter by 20 cm (8-inch) high tray.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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