Dulces De Calabasas (Mexican Pumpkin Candy)

Jun 02, 2023June 2, 20230 1

Delectable Dulces De Calabasas (Mexican Pumpkin Candy)

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

20 min

Cook

1 hr 15 min

Ready In

1 hr 35 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

175

Sugar

38g

Fat

Dulces De Calabasas, or Mexican Pumpkin Candy, is a traditional confectionery from Mexico that is made using whole pumpkins and simple ingredients like sugar and cinnamon. This sweet and spiced candy has a unique texture - it is chewy, sticky, and soft all at the same time. The pumpkin pieces are cooked in a sugar syrup until they are tender and coated with a layer of caramelized sugar. Dulces De Calabasas is a popular snack during Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead holiday celebrated across Mexico.

Instructions

1.	Rinse the pumpkin under running water, then slice it open using a sharp knife. Remove the seeds and pulp with a spoon.
2.	Cut the pumpkin into 4-inch pieces and place them in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the pumpkin completely.
3.	Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the pumpkin for about 30-40 minutes, or until it is tender.
4.	Use a slotted spoon to remove the pumpkin pieces from the pot, and place them on a towel to cool.
5.	Once the pumpkin is cool, use your fingers or a spoon to remove the skin.
6.	In a separate pot, combine the brown sugar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of water. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
7.	Add the pumpkin pieces to the pot with the sugar mixture and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the syrup thickens and coats the pumpkin pieces.
8.	Remove the pot from the heat, and allow the pumpkin to cool for a few minutes.
9.	Roll the pumpkin pieces in the granulated sugar until they are evenly coated.
10.	Place the candy on a cooling rack to dry for a few hours before serving.

PROS

Dulces De Calabasas is a delicious, unique candy that is perfect for pumpkin lovers and those who enjoy sweet treats.
It is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.

CONS

This candy is high in sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It may be difficult to find whole pumpkins at certain times of the year.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this candy is not particularly healthy, pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A, which is important for healthy skin and vision.
The cinnamon used in this recipe has been linked to reducing inflammation and lowering blood sugar levels, while cloves have antimicrobial properties.

	2 lbs whole pumpkin
	water
	1 cup brown sugar , packed
	1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ( optional )
	1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ( optional )
	granulated sugar