My Grandmother’s 100-Year-Old Amla Candy Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought)

Amla Candy Recipe: There are some flavors that instantly transport you back to your childhood. For me, the tangy-sweet burst of Amla Candy is one of them. I can still picture my grandmother sitting in the sunlit courtyard, carefully drying slices of vibrantly green amla. She would tell us, “This isn’t just candy; it’s a spoonful of health wrapped in sweetness.” Making Amla Candy at home is not just about creating a snack; it’s about recreating that warmth and passing on a tradition of eating well. Let’s bring that simple joy into your kitchen today.

Required Ingredients to make Amla Candy

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to transform the sour amla into a delightful treat.

• Fresh Amla (Indian Gooseberries): 500 grams (about 20-25 medium-sized)
• Sugar: 1.5 cups (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
• Water: 1/2 cup (for the sugar syrup)
• Black Salt (Kala Namak): 1 teaspoon (adds a unique savory tang)
• Roasted Cumin Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a little warmth)
• Citric Acid: A tiny pinch (optional, helps in preservation and adds tang)

Step-Wise Directions: Making Your Own Candy

Let’s break this down into simple, manageable steps.

Step 1: Prep the Amla
Wash the amla thoroughly. Using a steamer or a pressure cooker, steam them for 2-3 whistles or until they are just soft. You don’t want them mushy. Alternatively, you can boil them for 10-15 minutes until a knife pierces them easily. Let them cool. Once cool, deseed them and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: The First Tangy Layer
In a large bowl, toss the chopped amla pieces with a little salt and a pinch of turmeric (optional). Let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps draw out a little moisture and prep them for the sugar.

Step 3: Create the Sugar Magic
In a wide pan, add the sugar and water. Heat it on low flame, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it come to a boil. We are looking for a one-string consistency—when you take a drop of syrup between your thumb and finger, it should form a single thread.

Step 4: The Amla Bath
Once the syrup reaches the right consistency, gently add all the amla pieces. Stir carefully to coat every piece. Keep the flame on low and let the amla cook in the syrup. The mixture will slowly start to thicken. After about 10-12 minutes, you’ll notice the syrup crystallizing and turning white around the edges. This is your cue!

Step 5: The Flavor Punch
Turn off the heat. Immediately sprinkle the black salt, roasted cumin powder, and black pepper powder over the amla. Stir gently until all the pieces are well coated with the spices and the crystallized sugar.

Step 6: The Cooling Ritual
Spread the candied amla pieces on a large steel or ceramic plate. Make sure they are in a single layer, not touching each other too much. Let them sit at room temperature, uncovered, for 24-48 hours. This allows them to dry out completely and achieve that perfect candy-like texture.

Tips for Selecting the Best Amla

The taste of your candy depends entirely on the quality of your amla.

• Color is Key: Look for amla that has a light green, glossy skin. Avoid ones with yellow spots or blemishes.
• Feel the Firmness: Good amla should be rock-hard and heavy for their size. Soft amla is old and will be less flavorful and more fibrous.
• The Taste Test: If possible, taste one raw. A good amla is intensely sour but shouldn’t taste bitter.

Variations of Amla Candy Recipes

Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to experiment!

• Spicy Amla Candy: Increase the amount of red chili powder and black pepper. Add a pinch of ginger powder for an extra kick.
• Masala Amla Candy: Toss the dried candy in a mix of roasted cumin, fennel powder (saunf), and a bit of dry mango powder (amchur) for a complex flavor.
• Jaggery Amla Candy (Healthy Twist): Replace sugar with grated jaggery. Cook the amla in a thick jaggery syrup instead of sugar for a more iron-rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Salted Amla Candy: Skip the black pepper and cumin, and simply toss the candied amla with more black salt for a pure sweet-and-salty treat.

Storing and Preserving Amla Candy

To make your batch last for months, proper storage is essential.

• Airtight is a Must: Once the amla pieces are completely cooled and dried (after the 24-48 hour period), store them in a clean, dry, airtight glass jar.
• Cool and Dark Place: Keep the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, like your kitchen cupboard.
• Avoid Moisture: Never use a wet spoon to take candy out of the jar, as moisture can lead to mold. Homemade amla candy, stored properly, can last for 2-3 months.

Creative Ways to Use Amla Candy

Amla candy is more than just a mouth freshener after meals.

• Salad Sprinkle: Chop it finely and sprinkle it over fruit chaat or green salads for a surprising sweet-tangy crunch.
• Grain Bowl Garnish: Add a few chopped pieces to your quinoa or rice bowls for a burst of flavor.
• With Yogurt: Stir finely chopped amla candy into plain dahi (yogurt) for a unique, healthy raita.
• Gift from the Heart: Pack them in beautiful little jars and give them as a thoughtful, homemade edible gift during festivals.

Health Considerations and Precautions

While amla candy is healthier than regular candy, a little mindfulness goes a long way.

• Sugar Content: It is still a candied product. Enjoy it in moderation, especially if you are managing diabetes or watching your sugar intake.
• Acidity: Amla is rich in Vitamin C and can be acidic. If you have a sensitive stomach or suffer from acid reflux, start with a small piece to see how your body reacts.
• Natural Goodness: Unlike store-bought versions, this recipe has no preservatives or artificial colors, making it a much safer choice for kids.

Table of Nutrition Facts (per serving – approx. 3-4 pieces)

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients and size of amla.

Nutrition Facts	Per Serving
Servings Per Recipe	8-10
Calories	85 kcal
**% Daily Value ***
Total Fat	0.2 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	95 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	21 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	7%
Total Sugars	18 g
Protein	0.5 g	1%
Vitamin C	120 mg	200%
Calcium	15 mg	1%
Iron	0.5 mg	3%
Potassium	80 mg	2%

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Final Thought

Making this Amla candy recipe is a beautiful way to connect with age-old wisdom. It proves that eating healthy doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a little patience and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a treat that makes your taste buds dance and your body feel good. So, the next time you see fresh, green amla at the market, grab a bag and bring this little piece of sweet heritage into your home.

Also Read: Dubai Chocolate Strawberries Cup Recipe: No Oven 7 Layers of Pure Love

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