Paçoca

Name: Paçoca
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup cassava flour (farinha de mandioca); 1 pinch of salt

⏱ Prep Time 20 minutes

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

Paçoca represents the soul of Brazilian street food craftsmanship, a golden cylinder that melts effortlessly on the tongue while delivering a symphony of nutty richness and gentle sweetness. This traditional candy showcases the Brazilian love for simple, high-quality ingredients transformed through careful technique - the roasted peanuts provide deep, earthy flavor while the cassava flour creates an almost crystalline texture that dissolves with the first bite. The pale golden color and slightly irregular shape reflect its handmade origins, each piece bearing the gentle imperfections of artisanal creation. Paçoca holds deep cultural significance as a symbol of Brazilian resourcefulness, combining indigenous cassava with Portuguese sugar and African peanut traditions. Traditionally enjoyed during festive seasons, particularly around Carnival and Christmas, it's often shared among families and sold by street vendors in bustling neighborhoods, representing the communal joy and culinary heritage that defines Brazilian culture.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 15.5g

Carbs 31.2g

Fat 15.3g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free

Ingredients

2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cassava flour (farinha de mandioca)
1 pinch of salt

Instructions

1
Place the roasted peanuts in a food processor and pulse several times until they are finely ground but still have some small pieces for texture, being careful not to turn them into peanut butter.
2
Add the sugar, cassava flour, and salt to the ground peanuts in the food processor and pulse a few more times until everything is evenly combined into a sandy mixture.
3
Test the mixture by pressing a small amount in your hand; it should hold together when compressed but crumble when you bite into it, adding a tiny bit more sugar if needed.
4
Press the mixture firmly into small cylindrical molds, cupcake liners, or shape by hand into small rounds, packing tightly so they hold their shape.
5
Unmold the paçocas carefully and store in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will keep for up to two weeks.

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Did You Know?

Paçoca was originally created as a way to preserve peanuts during the hot Brazilian summers, with the cassava flour acting as a natural preservative that allowed the candy to maintain its texture for weeks without refrigeration, making it perfect for the tropical climate of Brazil.

The Story Behind Paçoca

Paçoca emerged in Brazil during the 19th century, blending indigenous cassava starch with European sugar and African peanut traditions brought by enslaved peoples. The name derives from the Tupi indigenous word 'paçoca,' meaning 'to make a ball,' reflecting its traditional preparation method. This confection became particularly significant during the Brazilian Empire period when it represented the fusion of diverse cultural influences in Brazilian cuisine, symbolizing the nation's complex colonial history and its unique cultural synthesis.