How to Make Alewa Candy: A Delicious Ghanaian Treat

Are you a fan of sweet, sticky and chewy candies that tantalize your taste buds and send you to candy heaven? If yes, then you are in for a treat with Alewa candy. Alewa candy is a popular Ghanaian candy made from cassava dough and sugar, with a nutty and aromatic flavor. It is a perfect snack for any occasion, and it is easy to make. In this article, we will show you how to make Alewa candy from scratch.

Ingredients for Making Alewa Candy

• 2 cups of grated cassava
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda

Steps to Make Alewa Candy

Step 1: Prepare the Cassava Dough

Start by washing and peeling the cassava. Grate the cassava into a bowl, and add a pinch of salt. Mix everything together to form a smooth and sticky dough. Divide the dough into small balls and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Syrup

In a deep saucepan, add sugar and water, and place it over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Continue to stir the syrup until it reaches a caramel color, and then add the vegetable oil. Stir the mixture for a minute, and then add the baking soda. The baking soda will cause the mixture to foam up, so be careful.

Step 3: Add the Cassava Dough

Reduce the heat to low, and then add the cassava balls to the syrup. Use a spoon to coat the cassava balls with the syrup. Keep stirring the mixture until the cassava balls are fully coated with the syrup.

Step 4: Add Flavoring

Add the vanilla essence to the mixture and stir well. The aroma of the vanilla will infuse into the candy, giving it a delicious nutty flavor.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Alewa Candy

Remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Using your hand, roll the cassava balls to form cylindrical shapes. Cut the Alewa candy into small pieces with a sharp knife. Allow the candy to cool and harden for a few minutes.

And there you have it, your delicious and homemade Alewa candy.

Tips for Making Perfect Alewa Candy

• Use fresh cassava for the best results.
• Be careful when adding the baking soda to the syrup, as it can foam up and burn you.
• Use a deep saucepan to avoid spills.
• Cook the syrup on low heat to prevent burning.
• Use a wooden spoon to stir the syrup, as it can get very hot.

Conclusion

Making Alewa candy is an easy and enjoyable process. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sweet and chewy candy that will leave you craving for more. Follow the steps above, and you will be on your way to creating your own delicious Alewa candy.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use tapioca instead of cassava to make Alewa candy?

A1. Yes, you can use tapioca instead of cassava, but the flavor and texture of the candy may differ.

Q2. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

A2. Yes, you can use brown sugar, but it will change the flavor and color of the candy.

Q3. Can I add nuts to the Alewa candy?

A3. Yes, you can add nuts like peanuts, cashews, or almonds to the candy for a crunchier texture.

Q4. How long does Alewa candy last?

A4. Alewa candy can last for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q5. Can I use honey instead of sugar to make Alewa candy?

A5. No, honey will not work as a substitute for sugar in this recipe as it will not create a syrupy texture that is required for the candy.