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–+ servings
Close Shot of Three Palanquetas on a Plate.

Palenqueta

Justine Drosdovech
Palanqueta is a sweet and crunchy treat made of peanuts and caramel. Try making this quick and easy recipe with the addition of amaranth for a deliciously satisfying dessert!
5 from 1 vote
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Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Sweets
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Mexican, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings 24 squares
Calories 178 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef knife & cutting board

Ingredients
 

US Customary - Metric
  • 1-2 teaspoons vegan butter ($0.05)
  • ½ cup water ($0.01)
  • 2 cups cane sugar ($0.08)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice ($0.09)
  • 3 cups plain unroasted peanuts ($1.81)
  • ½ cup popped amaranth ($0.15)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla ($0.21)

Instructions
 

  • Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Or, grease a large springform pan (or a few smaller ones) with vegan butter. Set aside.
  • Add water, cane sugar, and lime juice to a saucepan. Simmer over medium until it is slightly thickened, about 6-7 minutes.
  • Mix in peanuts and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until both the peanuts and syrup are a golden-brown color, about 15-20 minutes. At this point, stir in the amaranth and vanilla.
  • Working quickly, transfer the mixture into the baking dish or springform pans. Using a buttered spatula or spoon, press the mixture down evenly into a thin layer.
  • Leave it to sit for 5 minutes, then slice into bars while still warm. If you’ve used small springform pans, slicing isn’t necessary.
  • Let the palanquetas cool completely while uncovered, then serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container for storage. Happy eating!

Video

Notes

  • Don't forget the acid. The citric acid in lime or lemon prevents crystallization of the sugar during the cooking process. Also, minimal stirring will prevent the sugar from crystallizing up around the edges.
  • Keep watch. Don't stray far from your saucepan as you don't want to burn the sugar.
  • Work fast. Have all of your molds ready because palanqueta sets fairly quickly.
  • Be careful. Caramel is extremely hot, so make sure you don't use your hands or eat it too quickly! Also, have a container of cold water nearby and submerge any part of your hand immediately if it gets burned.
  • Rest before cutting. Rest for approximately 5 minutes before slicing. Before that, it will be too sticky. After that, it'll be too hard.
  • We calculate nutritional information for our recipes with Cronometer.
  • Recipe cost calculations are based on ingredients local to us and may vary from recipe to recipe. All prices are in USD.

Nutrition

Serving: 1square | Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 21.5g | Protein: 4.7g | Fat: 9.3g | Saturated Fat: 1.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4.8g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 3.2mg | Potassium: 124.4mg | Fiber: 1.6g | Sugar: 17.6g | Vitamin A: 8.3IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 13.5mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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