how to make amla candy - #23439

Making amla candy can be a rewarding yet a bit challenging process, but it’s definitely worth the effort for both its taste and health benefits. Let’s dive into a more traditional yet practical approach that aligns with Ayurvedic practices, while also keeping it simple for your kitchen adventures. One crucial aspect you seem to have missed is balancing the sweet and sour flavors. Indeed, the sugar to amla ratio can significantly affect the final taste. A standard guideline could be equal parts sugar to amla or slightly more sugar for a milder taste. It helps in countering amla’s natural sourness. Start by selecting ripe, juicy amla for natural sweetness. Wash and dry them first. Then, prick the amla gently with a fork to help porosity for sugar absorption. The next step is a light blanching. Immerse the amla into boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This reduces their astringency somewhat and softens their texture, making sugar absorption more effective. After blanching, let them soak in a sugar syrup overnight. For this syrup, heat 1 cup water for every 2 cups of sugar until the sugar dissolves, and allow it to simmer for just a few minutes. Place the amla in this syrup once it cools down a bit. The longer you let the amla soak – preferably overnight or even up to 24 hours – the more balanced the flavors will be. The next day, drain the amla and transfer it to a low-sugar syrup made by simmering the previous syrup until it gets slightly thicker. Continue to gently simmer the amla in this syrup, stirring to avoid sticking, until it reduces and the pieces become sticky but not mushy. This method prevents the sticky mess you encountered. Finally, you'll want to air dry the candied amla pieces on a well-ventilated rack, ensuring they aren’t clumping together. It might take a few days to completely dry, depending on your climate. After drying, toss them lightly with a bit of powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking. Amla is valued in Ayurveda for its rich vitamin C content and balancing all three doshas when used moderately. So, your endeavor for a healthier snack aligns well with Ayurvedic principles. Taste, patience, and finding the right balance is key. Hopefully, this detailed process paves the way for successful amla candy that both your kids and you'd find delightful and beneficial.