Kashata is a traditional Tanzanian sweet snack made from coconut and peanuts. It is very popular in coastal areas and Zanzibar. You can find it in small local shops and markets. The texture is firm and slightly crunchy. The taste is sweet, nutty and rich from coconut. This is a simple home version made on a stove in one pan.
😌 Difficulty: Easy
⏱️ Preparation time: 10 min
🔥 Cooking time: 15 min
⏳ Total time: 25 min
👥 Servings: 8-10 small pieces
Ingredients
- 150 g unsweetened shredded coconut
- 120 g roasted peanuts (unsalted), roughly chopped
- 150 g sugar
- 60 ml water
- ½ tsp ground cardamom (optional but traditional spice)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- If your peanuts are not roasted, toast them in a dry pan for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden. Let them cool and chop roughly.
- In a medium pan, add sugar and water.
- Heat on medium without stirring until the sugar dissolves and starts to bubble.
- Add lemon juice. This helps prevent the sugar from becoming grainy.
- Let the syrup cook for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes thick and slightly golden.
- Lower the heat and quickly add shredded coconut, chopped peanuts and cardamom.
- Stir fast and mix everything evenly. The mixture will thicken quickly.
- Immediately pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press it flat using the back of a spoon or another sheet of paper.
- While still warm, cut into small squares or diamonds using a knife.
- Let it cool completely until firm.
- Break into pieces and serve.
SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡
In Tanzania, Kashata is often cut into small diamond shapes and wrapped in paper for selling at markets. Work quickly when mixing the syrup because it hardens fast once the coconut and peanuts are added.