Kashata are a variety of East African sweets made by cooking coconut, peanuts, or powdered sugar in sweet sugar syrup. These are part of the rich heritage of the Swahili people in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar that has withstood the test of time and still stands out as a delectable treat. This recipe is made using desiccated coconut and is so simple to make. In fact, the only challenge is waiting for the sweets to set! Full of delicious coconut and cardamom flavour, this is guaranteed to be a hit in your home. Store the kashata in an airtight container once done.
Kashata za Nazi ( Coconut Kashata)East African Sweets
Course: DessertCuisine: Kenyan, Tanzanian, Zanzibari, East AfricanDifficulty: Beginer5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
2 Cups grated or desiccated coconut
1 1/3 cups sugar ( or 1 cup if you prefer less sugar)
1 cup water
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1/2 tsp food color
- EQUIPMENT
Non-stick Pan
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Chopping Board / Tray
Knife or bench scraper
Grease proof paper
Stove
Directions
- Place the pan on the stove and pour in the water. Switch on the stove and set to medium heat.
- Add the sugar to the water and stir. Let the sugar syrup cook until it starts to bubble and thicken. Add the cardamom, vanilla, and food color.
- Continue to stir the syrup for another 2-3 minutes as it continues to thicken. To know if the syrup is ready,it should bubble and drip as a continuous string when lifted with the cooking spoon.( Glue-like consistency).
- Add the coconut and stir, making sure that the mixture is evenly colored. Let it cook for a few more minutes until all the moisture has evaporated and the coconut mixture is clamping together. Switch off the stove and set the pan aside.
- Spread the grease-proof paper on a chopping board or tray. If you don’t have grease-proof paper, you can spread a little cooking oil on the chopping board/tray.
- Pour the coconut mixture on the chopping board and using the cooking spoon , bench scraper or spatula, shape it into a square of about 1/4 inch thick.
- Leave it on the counter to set for about 30 minutes. You can also place the chopping board or tray flat in the freezer to set it faster.
- Once it has been set, use the knife to cut square or diamond shapes to your liking.
- Serve with black coffee or on its own for an amazing dessert. Enjoy!
I’m trying this on the weekend yuuuuuummmyyy
Hi Ann. Thanks for stopping by! Did you try the kashata recipe?
Am trying this soon. How long can it last when made?
Hi Aggie, If they dry/ set properly they can last for weeks in an airtight container.
5star steps🔥🔥it came out correct
Thanks for the feedback Izzo. Glad it worked out for you.