Cacahuates Garapiñados

Caramelized or candied peanut are a simple-to-make snack that is sold outside public buildings, sports stadiums, parks and even outside schools all throughout Mexico. We call them cacahuates garapiñados, they can be found for sale in many small carts, filled with all sort of goodies, ranging from chewing gum, rancheritos or charritos, potato chips, cups of fresh fruit, candied fruit, etc.

Cacahuates Garapiñados

I cooked these peanuts thinking that my son will go nuts (wink) about them, but to my disappointment, he couldn’t care less about it. I will add them to his trail mix next time he goes out to the wilderness with his boy scout troop. And maybe, who knows, while he is out there tired, sweaty, and hungry, he will appreciate the crunchiness and sweetness of my "garapiñados".

Provecho!

How to make Cacahuates Garapiñados

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Instructions: 

• Place a heavy sauce pot over high heat with the water and sugar. Mix well.
• When the mixture begins to boil add the peanuts. It is important to stir the mixture all the time, especially when the bubbles that are forming begin to be larger and take longer to break.

• When the mixture forms a sandy consistency at the bottom of the pan, remove from the heat.
• Pour the mixture into a large baking pan or dish lined with wax paper and spread the peanut. Allow cooling at room temperature.

•  The peanuts cooked this way will last up 6 months in a covered jar or sealed in a plastic bag.

Original picture from 2/3/09

This recipe can also be a great Christmas Gift if you make a large batch and place them in decorative Holiday bags. You can also try to make them with Pecans, like in this recipe from Jen Around the World.

CARAMELIZED PEANUTS

Mely Martínez - Mexico in my Kitchen

Cacahuates garapiñados or candied peanut are a simple-to-make snack that is sold outside public buildings, sports stadiums, parks and even outside schools all throughout Mexico. We call them cacahuates garapiñados, they can be found for sale in many small carts, filled with all sort of goodies...

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 51 mins

Cook Time 5 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Course Antojitos

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 2 Tazas

Calories 929 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 Cups of raw peanuts with the skin on
• 1 and ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• Red food coloring This is optional

Instructions

 

• Place a heavy sauce pot (a cast iron one works well) over high heat with the water and sugar. Add food coloring if you wish to use it. I used 5 drops. Mix well.
• When the mixture begins to boil add the peanuts. It is important to stir the mixture all the time, especially when the bubbles that are forming begin to be larger and take longer to break. This step will take about 8 to 9 minutes until the liquid reduces.
• When the mixture forms a sandy consistency at the bottom of the pan, remove from the heat.
• (You may notice that the walls of the pan have also formed crystals).
• Pour the mixture into a large baking pan or dish lined with wax paper and spread the peanut. Allow cooling at room temperature.

The peanuts cooked this way will last up 6 months in a covered jar or sealed in a plastic bag.

Nutrition

Calories: 929kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 38gFat: 72gSaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 35mgPotassium: 1086mgFiber: 14gSugar: 25gCalcium: 155mgIron: 6mg

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Did you like the recipe? Please let me know in the comments section, do you have questions, or share the link with your friends. I hope you have an incredible time cooking! Provecho!

Mely Martinez, the cook at Mexico in my Kitchen!

More recipes:
Griddle Cookies
Flan Recipe