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Coconut Candy

Also known as Coconut Candy (Nigerian Sweet — Taba)

Nigerian Coconut Candy — called Taba — is one of the most beloved traditional Nigerian children's sweets, made from freshly grated coconut cooked with sugar until it forms a hard, caramelised candy that can be moulded into shapes or broken into pieces. Taba is sold at every Nigerian school gate, market entrance and bus stop where children gather, and the sight of a Taba seller carrying a tray of pink, white and golden coconut candy pieces is one of the defining images of Nige

Coconut Candy, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 2 big fresh coconuts
  • 3 big cups of white sugar
  • A small amount of water — just 3 big tablespoons
  • Pink food colouring — optional, for the traditional pink party Taba
  • A pinch of salt

Method

  1. 01

    Preparing the Coconut. Crack open the coconuts. Pour out and save the coconut water. Break out the white coconut flesh. Grate the flesh finely using a box grater. You should have a large bowl of freshly grated coconut.

  2. 02

    Making the Caramel. Place the sugar, 3 big tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Then stop stirring and allow to cook undisturbed. The sugar syrup will bubble vigorously and gradually change colour from clear to golden-amber — this takes 8 to 12 minutes. Watch carefully at this stage — the difference between perfect caramel and burnt sugar is only seconds.

  3. 03

    Adding the Coconut. Once the caramel is a beautiful golden-amber colour, quickly add all the grated coconut. Stir immediately and vigorously — the mixture will bubble dramatically. Continue stirring over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the coconut has absorbed the caramel and the mixture has thickened, pulling away from the sides of the pot.

  4. 04

    Adding Colour — Optional. If making pink Taba (the traditional party variety), add a very small drop of pink food colouring now and stir through quickly.

  5. 05

    Moulding and Setting. Working quickly — the candy sets fast — spoon the hot coconut candy mixture into a greased tray or press into greased moulds. Alternatively, shape into small balls with well-oiled hands. Allow to cool and harden completely before serving.

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