Jicaletas Recipe

Jennifer Segal

18 Oct, 2023

Indulge in our Jicaletas recipe - a delightful Mexican treat with jicama, chamoy, and chili powder, blending sweet and spicy flavors.

Jicaletas

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Mexican
Category: Dessert, Snack
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: No cooking
Servings: 4
Calories: 70 calories

Jicaletas are a delightful and popular Mexican snack that offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. The star ingredient in this treat is jicama, a root vegetable known for its crisp, slightly sweet, and refreshing taste. Jicaletas are beloved by locals and visitors alike for their ability to satisfy both sweet and savory cravings in one delicious bite.

The preparation of Jicaletas typically involves slicing the jicama into thin, flat pieces and inserting wooden sticks or toothpicks to make them easy to handle. What truly makes Jicaletas special is the flavorful coating. A mixture of chamoy sauce, tamarind paste, and lime juice provides a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze, creating a mouthwatering contrast to the jicama's natural crunch. To add a final burst of flavor, these coated jicama sticks are rolled in a blend of chili powder and sugar, delivering a pleasant heat that complements the other tastes perfectly.

Jicaletas are a staple of Mexican street food, often enjoyed on warm days for their refreshing qualities. They encapsulate the essence of Mexican cuisine, blending diverse flavors and ingredients to create a truly memorable and satisfying snack. Whether you encounter them from a street vendor or make them at home, Jicaletas are a must-try treat that showcases the delicious diversity of Mexican culinary traditions.

Recipe

Discover the ultimate flavor fusion with our irresistible Jicaletas recipe – a Mexican delight that's sweet, spicy, and simply sensational!

Ingredients

1 medium-sized jicama
1/4 cup of chamoy sauce
1/4 cup of tamarind paste
1/4 cup of chili powder
1/4 cup of sugar
1 lime
Wooden sticks or toothpicks

Method Instructions

Start by peeling the jicama and cutting it into thin, flat slices. You can cut them into rounds, rectangles, or sticks, depending on your preference.
Insert a wooden stick or toothpick into each jicama slice. This will make them easier to handle and enjoy.
In a bowl, mix the chamoy sauce, tamarind paste, and the juice of the lime. This will be your jicaleta coating.
In another bowl, combine the chili powder and sugar. This will be the seasoning for your jicaletas.
Dip each jicama slice on a stick into the chamoy-tamarind mixture, making sure it's coated well.
Allow any excess liquid to drip off and then roll the coated jicama in the chili powder and sugar mixture.
Place the coated jicaletas on a plate or tray, and repeat this process for the rest of your jicama slices.
Let them set for a few minutes to allow the coating to stick to the jicama.
Once they've set, your jicaletas are ready to be enjoyed!

Recipe Video

Jicaletas

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Recipe Tags: Jicaletas, Jicaletas Recipe, Recipe

Servings

To serve Jicaletas, follow these steps:

Arrange: Place the prepared Jicaletas on a serving platter or tray. You can present them in a neat row or an attractive arrangement.
Garnish: If you like, you can add some extra garnishes for a more appealing presentation. Slices of lime, extra chili powder, or a small bowl of chamoy sauce on the side can be used for garnishing.
Serve: Jicaletas are typically served as a finger food, so they're perfect for informal gatherings, picnics, or as a snack. Your guests can simply pick them up by the wooden stick or toothpick and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
Chamoy Dip: If you have some extra chamoy sauce, you can also serve it in a small dish alongside the Jicaletas. Some people like to dip the Jicaletas into the chamoy for an extra burst of flavor.

Jicaletas are often enjoyed on warm days, so they make a fantastic addition to outdoor gatherings or as a refreshing snack anytime. Enjoy the delightful taste and texture of these Mexican treats!

Tips

Choose a Fresh Jicama: Select a jicama that is firm, unblemished, and feels heavy for its size. This indicates it's fresh and will be crisp and sweet.
Safe Slicing: Be careful when inserting the wooden sticks or toothpicks into the jicama slices. To avoid accidents, it's best to use a paring knife to make a small hole before inserting the sticks.
Adjust Seasonings: The level of spiciness and sweetness can be adjusted to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder. For a sweeter taste, increase the sugar or tamarind paste in the coating.
Chilling: If you prefer your Jicaletas to be cold and even more refreshing, you can refrigerate them for a little while before serving.
Garnish Creatively: Feel free to get creative with the presentation. You can sprinkle extra chili powder on top for a more vibrant look, and garnish with lime slices for a burst of color.
Dipping Options: Besides chamoy, you can serve Jicaletas with other dipping sauces like salsa or a citrus-based hot sauce for added variety.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe. You can try different coatings or seasonings to suit your taste buds. Some people even add a pinch of salt for a more balanced flavor.
Safety Reminder: If you're making Jicaletas for a crowd, be cautious with the level of spiciness, as not everyone may have the same tolerance for heat. You can provide some without the chili powder for those who prefer milder flavors.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're looking for ingredient substitutes for the Jicaletas recipe, here are a few options:

Jicama Substitute: If you can't find jicama or prefer an alternative, you can try using cucumber or green apple slices. They won't have the exact same texture, but they offer a similar refreshing crunch.
Chamoy Sauce Substitute: If you don't have chamoy sauce, you can make a substitute by mixing apricot jam or apricot preserves with some lime juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for that sweet and tangy flavor.
Tamarind Paste Substitute: Tamarind paste can be replaced with tamarind concentrate or even a mix of lime juice and brown sugar if tamarind isn't available.
Chili Powder Substitute: If you're concerned about spiciness, you can use paprika or a mild chili powder as a substitute. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of heat.
Sugar Substitute: You can replace sugar with honey, agave nectar, or any sweetener you prefer. Adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness.
Wooden Sticks: If you don't have wooden sticks or toothpicks, you can serve the coated jicama slices without them. Alternatively, use bamboo skewers cut to the desired length.