Alegria (Mexican Amaranth Candy)
Alegria de Amaranto is not only a delicious snack but also a nutritious one, as amaranth is rich in protein and nutrients.
Ingredients
- 100 gr amaranth seeds
- 3 light brown small piloncillo bars for the syrup
- 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
Tip: You can add pumpkin seeds, almonds, raisins or any other nuts you like to your Alegria.
Makes a 30 cm (12 inches) diameter x 20 cm (8 inches) height tray.
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