Imagine a candy that captures the essence of Latin American street markets, where every bite tells a story of tradition and flavor! Dulce Mani Ajonjoli is not just a sweet treat—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a magical, golden-amber confection that will transport your taste buds to sun-drenched streets of Latin America. With a perfect balance of roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and caramelized sugar, this homemade candy promises a crispy, nutty experience that will make your mouth water and your guests beg for the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 20 pieces
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanuts, roasted
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Have a candy thermometer ready for precise temperature monitoring.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring gently until sugar completely dissolves.
- Stop stirring and allow the sugar syrup to cook, watching carefully as it begins to caramelize. Use a candy thermometer and wait until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which typically takes 10-12 minutes.
- Once the syrup reaches the hard crack stage and turns a golden amber color, immediately remove from heat and quickly stir in the roasted peanuts and sesame seeds.
- Add lemon juice and stir rapidly to ensure even coating of nuts and seeds with the caramel.
- Quickly pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a heat-resistant spatula. Work fast as the caramel will begin to harden quickly.
- Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes until it becomes firm and brittle.
- Once cooled, break the candy into irregular pieces or cut with a sharp knife into desired shapes.
- Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Best consumed within 1 week.
Tips
- Use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure precise temperature control—reaching exactly 300°F is crucial for the perfect caramel texture.
- Prep all ingredients before starting, as the caramel-making process moves quickly and requires immediate action.
- Work on a heat-resistant surface and use silicone or heat-proof tools to handle the hot caramel safely.
- Toast your peanuts and sesame seeds beforehand for an enhanced nutty flavor profile.
- If the candy becomes too hard to break, you can gently warm it for a few seconds to make cutting easier.
- Store in a cool, dry place to maintain the candy's signature crisp texture.
- For a variation, experiment with adding a pinch of sea salt or using different nuts like almonds or cashews.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
