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Tanghulu, a beloved Chinese street food, consists of skewered and candied fruit, typically hawthorn berries or other seasonal fruits. This sweet and crunchy treat has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world.
Here, we’ll explore the delightful world of tanghulu, providing you with a detailed recipe, a list of essential equipment, valuable tips for perfecting your candied fruit, and calorie information to help you indulge in this delightful snack mindfully.
Equipment Needed
- Bamboo Skewers or Wooden Sticks: Essential for skewering the fruit and creating the classic tanghulu look. (recommendation)
- Saucepan: To make the sugar syrup for candying the fruit. (recommendation)
- Candy Thermometer: Useful for monitoring the syrup’s temperature to ensure it reaches the hard crack stage. (recommendation)
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Provides a non-stick surface for the candied fruit to cool and harden. (recommendation)
Tanghulu Recipe
Ingredients
- 500g (approximately 2 cups) fresh hawthorn berries or strawberries
- 200g (approximately 1 cup) granulated sugar
- 100ml (about 1/3 cup) water
- Bamboo skewers or wooden sticks
- Optional: food coloring for extra vibrancy
- Enameled cast iron delivers superior heat distribution and retention
- Ready to use, requires no seasoning
- Easy-to-clean and durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping and cracking
- Light colored smooth interior enamel allows easy monitoring of cooking progress
Instructions
Preparation:
- Wash the fruit thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Insert the bamboo skewers or wooden sticks into the hawthorn berries or strawberries, ensuring they are securely attached.
Candying the Fruit
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar is completely dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the syrup to a boil. You can add food coloring at this stage for a vibrant look.
- Boil the syrup without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is about 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
Dipping the Fruit
- Carefully dip each skewered fruit into the hot syrup, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Allow any excess syrup to drip off before placing the candied fruit onto a parchment paper-lined tray or a silicone baking mat.
Cooling and Serving
- Let the candied fruit cool and harden for about 30 minutes.
- Once they are completely set, remove the skewers, and your tanghulu is ready to enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Tanghulu
- Choose Fresh and Ripe Fruit: The quality of your tanghulu depends on using fresh and ripe fruit. Opt for hawthorn berries or strawberries that are in season and at their prime.
- Be Cautious with the Sugar Syrup: When working with hot sugar syrup, exercise caution to avoid burns. Keep an eye on the temperature using a candy thermometer.
- Use Food Coloring Wisely: If you decide to use food coloring, add it in small quantities to achieve your desired color, as a little goes a long way.
- Serve Promptly: Tanghulu is best enjoyed soon after making it to preserve its delightful crunchiness.
Calorie Information
The calorie content of tanghulu can vary depending on the type and quantity of fruit used, as well as the thickness of the sugar coating. On average, a serving of tanghulu made with hawthorn berries or strawberries can contain approximately 100-150 calories.
To make your tanghulu slightly healthier, you can experiment with using less sugar or opt for fruits with fewer natural sugars. Keep in mind that the calorie count may increase if you add food coloring or other flavorings to your tanghulu.
Tanghulu is a delightful and visually appealing snack that combines the natural sweetness of fresh fruit with the satisfying crunch of a candied shell. By following the provided recipe, using the necessary equipment, and considering our tips, you can create your own tanghulu that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.
While indulging in this sweet treat, be mindful of the calorie content and adjust your recipe to meet your dietary preferences. Enjoy your homemade tanghulu!
