Recipe
Jamoncillo de Castilla
Delicious Almond Candy from Castilla
4.5 out of 5
Indulge in the rich flavors of Castilian-Leonese cuisine with this traditional recipe for Jamoncillo de Castilla. This delightful almond candy is a beloved treat that showcases the region's culinary heritage.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
10 minutes
Total time
30 minutes
Yields
12 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan, Nut-free (if almond substitute is used)
Allergens
Almonds
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Low-fat
Ingredients
In adapting Jamoncillo from Mexican cuisine to Castilian-Leonese cuisine, we replace the traditional Mexican ingredients like condensed milk and cinnamon with ground almonds and lemon zest. This gives the candy a distinct nutty flavor and a subtle citrusy note, which aligns with the flavor profiles of Castilian-Leonese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Jamoncillo, so you can check it out.
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2 cups (240g) ground almonds 2 cups (240g) ground almonds
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
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Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 0.8g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Salt: 0g
Preparation
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1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, granulated sugar, and lemon zest.
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2.Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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3.Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture becomes thick and sticky.
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4.Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
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5.Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, shape it into small rectangular bars or roll it into bite-sized balls.
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6.Dust the Jamoncillo with powdered sugar to give it a beautiful finish.
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7.Allow the candy to cool completely before serving.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for this recipe. If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until they reach a fine texture.
Tips & Tricks
- To add a twist to the flavor, you can substitute the lemon zest with orange zest.
- For an extra touch of elegance, you can dip the Jamoncillo in melted dark chocolate before dusting it with powdered sugar.
- Store the Jamoncillo in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh for up to two weeks.
Serving advice
Serve the Jamoncillo de Castilla on a platter or in decorative boxes, making it a delightful gift or party favor. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Jamoncillo de Castilla on a serving platter, dusted with powdered sugar. You can also garnish it with a sprinkle of finely chopped almonds for an added visual appeal.
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