Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 3 votes

Calabaza en Tacha (Candied Pumpkin)

If you want to try a twist on the American classic dishes try making calabaza en tacha or candied pumpkin. This is a traditional Mexican recipe that is commonly prepared for Dia de los Muertos, but would make a lovely dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Prep Time
7 mins
Cook Time
7 mins
Total Time
52 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 165 kcal
Course: Dessert , Snacks
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 4-to 5 pound pumpkin
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 whole cloves
Spiced Piloncillo Syrup
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 8 ounces piloncillo or 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
Toppings:
  • sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse off the exterior of the pumpkin in cool or warm water, no soap. Using a serrated knife cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the pumpkin seeds. Scrape out the stringy layer (pulp) with a spoon. Discard seeds and pulp. Cut the pumpkin into 3- to 4-inch slices leaving the skin on.
  2. In a large pot, steam the pumpkin in water, cinnamon, and cloves making sure to keep the lid on tight, for 20 to 40 minutes, or until pumpkin is tender. The pumpkin is ready when your fork slides easily into the flesh.
  3. In a small saucepan place water, cinnamon stick, and piloncillo on a very low heat until the piloncillo melts. Be sure to stir frequently.
  4. Serve slices of pumpkin with syrup and drizzle with sweetened condensed milk.

Notes

  • The skin softens while cooked and is also edible.
  • Sometimes star anise is added along with the cloves and cinnamon. Feel free to try add 1-2 star anise to the pot.

Nutrition Information

Calories 165kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 41g (14%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 6mg (0%) Potassium 777mg (22%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 31g (62%) Vitamin A 19307IU (386%) Vitamin C 20mg (22%) Calcium 75mg (8%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 165

% Daily Value*

Calories 165kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 41g 14%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 6mg 0%
Potassium 777mg 17%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 31g 62%
Vitamin A 19307IU 386%
Vitamin C 20mg 22%
Calcium 75mg 8%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.