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Four figure-shaped candies with granulated golden coating and green seed pieces on pale blue plate

Aztec Tzoalli (Amaranth Candy)

Donnie
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Tzoalli is a traditional Aztec candy made from toasted amaranth seeds bound with honey and enriched with pumpkin seeds. Once used in rituals to honor the sun god Huitzilopochtli, this sweet treat was both sacred offering and nourishing food. Today it can be recreated at home as a healthy, crunchy bar similar to a Rice Krispy treat, connecting you to centuries of history with every bite.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Mesoamerican

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IngredientsMethodVideoNotes
Donnie Dodson

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Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups amaranth seeds
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

Instructions
 

  1. Toast the amaranth seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until they pop and release a nutty aroma.
  2. Reduce heat to low. Make a small space in the center of the pan and pour in the honey. Let it warm gently.
  3. Mix the toasted amaranth into the honey until all seeds are evenly coated.
  4. Stir in the pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
  5. Pour the mixture into a greased pan, press flat, and let cool or freeze until firm.
  6. Cut into bars or shape into figurines. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.

Video

Notes

  • Toast carefully. Amaranth seeds pop quickly and can burn in seconds. Keep the pan moving and remove them from heat as soon as most have popped.
 
  • Work fast. Once the honey and amaranth are mixed, the candy sets quickly. Have your pan greased and ready to pour before you begin.
 
  • Get creative. Shape the mixture into bars, balls, or even figurines to echo the way the Aztecs crafted edible idols during festivals.

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