My maternal granny had nine kids. Each of her kids had at least two children of their own. Now imagine a house full of so many people during summer vacations! It was not an uncommon sight during summer vacations at my granny’s house. And if you are a parent, you know that kids are always hungry! So, my granny would make a lot of snacks before we came for the holidays for us to munch on. Kids love candy! But we all know that candy is not good for us. Her way of giving us candy was through making us these sweet treats with hidden fruits and veggies in them! This was the candy I grew up with. Sharing my aunt Anita’s recipe for these irresistible tomato kaapa which was passed on to her by my grandmother.
What you will need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grated Coconut | 1 large fresh |
| Sugar | 3/4 kg |
| Tomato | 1 kg |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk Powder | 100 gram |
| Cardamom Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serving: Makes around 3/4 kg of kaapa
How to make it:
- Blanch the tomatoes in hot water.
- Peel the skin once the tomatoes have cooled. Deseed the tomatoes.
- Blend the tomatoes and coconut in a mixer without adding extra water into a fine puree.
- Add this puree to a pan and let it come to a boil.
- Once it is boiling, mix the sugar in.
- Keep it on a medium flame, stirring frequently to reduce the mixture.
- Cook till the mixture begins to come together and most of the water evaporates. You will see that the sugar begins to crystalize on the side of the pan forming strings.
- At this point, add the milk powder and cardamom powder. Mix well and remove from the flame.
- Take a greased plate and spread the mixture on to it. Be careful as it will be very hot.
- Let it cool slightly, cut into squares and separate once completely cooled.
- These are made with fresh coconut and can be stored for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container and up to 4 weeks in the fridge. I have frozen these and eaten for 3 months as well.