Lucas Candy
Get ready to infuse your taste buds with the bold, tangy, and spicy-sweet flavors of Lucas Candy, a homemade take on the iconic Mexican treat! This recipe combines granulated sugar, tamarind paste, lime juice, and a dash of chili powder for that signature punch of citrusy heat, balanced perfectly with a hint of salt and sweetness. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a short simmer on the stove, you'll create a versatile candy that can be broken into pieces or ground into a fine, zesty powder. Perfect for sprinkling over juicy fruit, decorating desserts, or simply enjoying on its own, this Lucas Candy is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and spicy that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and bursting with authentic Latin-inspired flavors, it’s a must-try for fans of unique and adventurous sweets.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Citric acid
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 2 tablespoons Tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 3 tablespoons Water
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, citric acid, chili powder, salt, tamarind paste, lime juice, and water.
Heat the pan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to bubble gently.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry gradually to the saucepan while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook the mixture for another 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
Pour the slightly cooled candy mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread it out into a thin, even layer.
Let the candy cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it hardens.
Once hardened, break it into small pieces or grind it into a fine powder using a food processor for the classic Lucas Candy texture.
Store the candy in an airtight container or spice jar at room temperature. Sprinkle it on fruit or enjoy it as is!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
892 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1326 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 231.7 g | 84% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 219.0 g | ||
| Protein | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 29 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 279 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
