Jamoncillo de Castilla

Recipe

Jamoncillo de Castilla

Delicious Almond Candy from Castilla

4.4 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.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Jamoncillo
Cuisine of the Americas› North American cuisine› Mexican cuisine
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Spanish cuisine› Castilian-Leonese cuisine

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.

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

  1. 1.
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, granulated sugar, and lemon zest.
  2. 2.
    Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. 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.
  4. 4.
    Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  5. 5.
    Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, shape it into small rectangular bars or roll it into bite-sized balls.
  6. 6.
    Dust the Jamoncillo with powdered sugar to give it a beautiful finish.
  7. 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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