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Nigerian coconut candy
Coconut candy: grated fresh coconut cooked in golden caramel and set into crunchy clusters
Children across Nigeria spend their pocket money on coconut candy, little clusters of fresh coconut set in amber caramel, sold in small bags by school gates and at market stalls. Made at home it takes about half an hour, with a chewy-crunchy bite and a toffee flavour against the clean taste of fresh coconut. Taking the caramel too far is the common mistake, since dark caramel tastes bitter, so stop at a deep golden colour. Children can help shape the cooled candy, but keep them away from the hot sugar. Chef's tip: use freshly grated coconut, not desiccated; its moisture keeps the clusters chewy in the centre.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 8
Ingredients
- 1 fresh coconutabout 250 g flesh, finely grated
- 7 oz sugar
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp vegetable oilfor the tray
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Oil a tray or line it with baking paper with 1 tsp vegetable oil. Have the grated 1 fresh coconut ready next to the stove.
2 minStep 2: Put 7 oz sugar and 3 tbsp water in a heavy pan over a medium heat. Swirl (don't stir) until the sugar dissolves, then let it bubble for 5–7 minutes, until it turns deep golden like honey.
7 minStep 3: Immediately tip in the coconut and stir fast with a wooden spoon for 3–4 minutes, until every shred is coated and the mixture starts to clump and pull from the pan.
4 minStep 4: Quickly drop spoonfuls onto the tray and press lightly into small clusters. Careful: the caramel is very hot.
3 minStep 5: Leave to cool and harden for 20 minutes. Store in an airtight jar for up to 5 days.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 200 kcal
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbs
- 28 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does nigerian coconut candy take?
- About 30 minutes in total: 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 8 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of fresh coconut?
- Desiccated coconut soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, about three quarters of the weight.
- What can I use instead of sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
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