Nutrient-Rich & Sweet Chestnut Candies (Bamcho)
The Delicious Charm of Sweet Boiled Chestnuts! Ultra-Simple Traditional Snack Recipe
This Bamcho (chestnut candy) is made by simmering boiled chestnuts with honey and sugar, then finishing with cinnamon powder and ground nuts for a luxurious and sweet flavor. Although incredibly simple to make, it boasts a sophisticated taste and appearance that rivals professional confections! It’s a perfect snack that both children and elders will adore. Experience the delightful texture and subtle sweetness that fills your mouth with the goodness of chestnuts.
Ingredients- 15-20 boiled chestnuts
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp ground nuts (pine nuts/walnuts/peanuts)
- Water, enough to cover half the chestnuts
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the boiled chestnuts, which are the key ingredient for making delicious Bamcho. Peel the chestnuts beforehand. (Alternatively, you can boil them with the shells on and peel them later.)
Step 2
Place the boiled chestnuts in a wide pot. Add water until it just covers about half of the chestnuts, along with a pinch of salt. Then, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the chestnuts.
Step 3
Now, place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. As the sugar dissolves, a sweet syrup will form, coating the chestnuts and giving them a glossy sheen. Stir occasionally with a spatula to prevent sticking and burning.
Step 4
Once the syrup has reduced and the chestnuts have absorbed some of the sweetness, lower the heat to low. Add 2 tablespoons of honey and stir well. Adding honey will impart a deeper, richer sweetness.
Step 5
With the honey incorporated, continue to stir over low heat until the syrup is almost completely absorbed and the mixture becomes sticky. The goal is to achieve a thick, syrupy coating on the chestnuts.
Step 6
As the chestnuts are nearing the perfect consistency, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon evenly over them. The warm aroma of cinnamon will beautifully complement the flavor of the chestnuts.
Step 7
Meanwhile, prepare the nutty coating. Lightly toast any nuts you have on hand (like pine nuts, walnuts, or peanuts) in a dry pan to enhance their flavor and remove any raw taste. Then, grind them into a fine powder.
Step 8
Finally, add the syrupy chestnuts to the prepared ground nuts. Roll them around gently until they are evenly coated. Once they are beautifully covered, your delicious Bamcho is complete! Let them cool slightly before enjoying for the best taste.
