A Candied Pumpkin
Calabaza en tacha dates back to Mexico's colonial sugar mills, where whole pumpkins were simmered in enormous copper cauldrons called tachos — which is where the dish gets its name. The result is a pumpkin that turns deep amber, soft enough to eat with a spoon, and syrupy with warm spice. It's traditionally served with a splash of cold or warm milk.
Ingredients
- 1 medium sized pumpkin (about 3.30 lbs or 1.5 kg) cut into wedges- approx. 1 IN/2 1/2 cm on their thickest width. Castilian pumpkin -also known as Fairytale pumpkin-, Cinderella pumpkin, Kabocha Squash, or Sugar Pie Pumpkin are all good options for this recipe. Note: We won’t use the pumpkin seeds for this recipe, but don’t discard them. You can cook them, and they are delicious!
- 14 oz. of piloncillo* (400 grams) or 1 1⁄2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 pieces of star anise
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Peel of one medium-sized orange
- 2 cups of water
- milk for serving
Instructions
- In a large sized pot, place the pumpkin wedges. Add in the rest of the ingredients except for the milk. Cover with a lid. Place at medium high heat and bring to a boil.
- Lower to medium heat once it starts to boil and let it cook for 30 mins. Spoon the syrup over the pumpkin every 10 minutes.
- Past 30 minutes, the pumpkin should feel soft when pinching with a knife or fork. If not, cover again with the lid and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once the pumpkin feels soft when pinching with a fork or knife, take the lid off. Increase the heat to medium high heat and let it sit for an additional 7 minutes. We want some of the liquid to evaporate and caramelize.
- Turn the heat off and let it cool down until it’s warm. The liquid will become thicker, less runny as the preparation cools down.
- Serve in a bowl warm or at room temperature. Spoon in some syrup. Eat it by itself or with some milk.
Notes
* You can buy piloncillo at any Latin American supermarket. It’s also known as panela. The piloncillo
usually comes in a cone shape. If you need to cut it into a smaller piece, place it in the microwave for 15-
20 seconds. It should be easier to cut it into a smaller piece after that. Be careful as it can get very hot! However you celebrate the Day of the Dead, candied pumpkin is a great place to start.
I know I will be cooking some this year to place in my altar for my mom.
usually comes in a cone shape. If you need to cut it into a smaller piece, place it in the microwave for 15-
20 seconds. It should be easier to cut it into a smaller piece after that. Be careful as it can get very hot! However you celebrate the Day of the Dead, candied pumpkin is a great place to start.
I know I will be cooking some this year to place in my altar for my mom.