Colombian cocadas are one of the most traditional and beloved sweets in Caribbean cuisine. This dessert is made primarily from coconut, sugar, and water, and has a delicious texture that can vary from soft to crunchy, depending on the recipe. Cocadas are enjoyed throughout the country, but are especially popular on the coasts of Colombia, where coconut is abundant.
History and Origin of Cocadas
Cocadas are a dessert that has its roots in Latin America, but each country has given it its own distinctive touch. In Colombia, its origin is strongly linked to the Caribbean region, where coconut is a basic ingredient in local cuisine. Cocadas are a clear example of the African, indigenous and Spanish influence in Colombian cuisine.
Coconut arrived in Latin America during colonial times and quickly became a staple ingredient, especially on the Caribbean coast. Cocadas, which consist of a mixture of grated coconut, sugar, and sometimes milk, are prepared in a variety of shapes and textures. Depending on the region, cocadas can be soft and juicy or crunchy and golden.
This sweet has historically been prepared on holidays and special occasions, and it is common to find it on the streets of cities such as Cartagena, Barranquilla or Santa Marta, where street vendors offer it to tourists and locals alike.
Main Ingredients
The basic ingredients for cocadas are very simple, but the secret to their success lies in their quality and freshness. Here is a list of what you need:
Fresh grated coconut: Coconut is the star ingredient in cocadas. You can use fresh grated coconut or unsweetened dehydrated coconut, but fresh coconut will always provide a better flavor and texture.
Sugar: Cocadas are sweet, so sugar is essential. You can use white or brown sugar depending on your preference.
Water or milk: Traditionally, water is used to prepare the caramel that binds the coconut, but some recipes include milk or condensed milk to give it a smoother, creamier texture.
Additional essences or flavours: In some versions of cocadas, cinnamon, vanilla, lemon zest or even cloves are added to give it an aromatic touch.
Necessary Utensils
Large skillet or saucepan.
Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula.
Wax paper or a tray to let the coconut cookies cool.
Coconut grater (if you are using fresh coconut).
Traditional Colombian Cocadas Recipe
Ingredients:
2 fresh coconuts or 4 cups shredded coconut.
2 cups of sugar.
1 cup of water.
1 teaspoon vanilla essence.
A pinch of salt.
Optional: ground cinnamon or lemon zest.
Preparation :
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut
If you're using fresh coconut, the first thing you'll want to do is split the coconuts and remove the flesh. To do this, carefully hit the coconut around its "equator" with a hammer or the back of a large knife until it cracks. Once open, remove the flesh with a spoon or small knife. Grate the coconut flesh into thin strips or use a coarse grater, depending on the texture you prefer for your cocadas.
If you prefer a quicker version, you can buy unsweetened shredded coconut at the supermarket.
Step 2: Make the Syrup
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar and water. Stir slowly until the sugar is completely dissolved and a light syrup begins to form. If you decide to add cinnamon, this is the time to do so as it will add an aromatic touch to the syrup. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the syrup begins to thicken slightly. Don't let it caramelize too much as we just want it to have the right consistency to bind the ingredients together.
Step 3: Cook the Coconut
Once the syrup is ready, add the shredded coconut and stir well to ensure the coconut is completely covered by the syrup. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The coconut will absorb the syrup and the mixture will begin to thicken. If you decide to use milk instead of water, this step may take a little longer as you will need to reduce the milk in order for the mixture to thicken.
Step 4: Shape the Cocadas
When the mixture is ready, remove the pan from the heat and add the vanilla essence and pinch of salt. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly. Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. You can make small balls or little piles, depending on how you prefer your cocadas to look.
Step 5: Let it cool
Let the cocadas cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they harden. Once cool, they are ready to enjoy.
Storage:
Cocadas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to store them in the refrigerator to prevent them from getting soft.
Recipe Variations
The basic cocada recipe is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to customize this classic treat. Here are some ideas:
1. Coconut Cookies with Condensed Milk
If you prefer a smoother, creamier texture, you can replace some of the sugar with condensed milk. Just be sure to reduce the amount of water or eliminate it altogether, as condensed milk provides enough liquid. This version is particularly popular in some places in Colombia, and the resulting cocadas are softer and sweeter in taste.
Additional Ingredients:
1 can of condensed milk (instead of the 2 cups of sugar).
1 cup of milk.
Follow the same steps as the traditional recipe, but add the condensed milk at the end of cooking.
2. Cocadas with dried fruits
An interesting variation is to add dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries or chopped almonds. These ingredients add a touch of texture and additional flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet coconut.
Additional Ingredients:
½ cup raisins or dried cranberries.
½ cup chopped almonds or walnuts.
Add the dried fruit to the coconut and syrup mixture before forming the cocadas.
3. Coconut Cookies with Chocolate
Another modern variation is to dip the cocadas in melted chocolate or simply add chocolate chips to the mixture before forming the cocadas. This will give an extra touch of indulgence that chocolate lovers will enjoy.
Additional Ingredients:
1 cup melted dark chocolate.
¼ cup chocolate chips.
For this variation, follow the basic recipe and then dip each cocada in melted chocolate. Allow the chocolate to harden before serving.
4. Vegan Cocadas
If you want to make a vegan version of cocadas, you can replace the milk or condensed milk with plant-based milks such as coconut or almond milk. You can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a more natural option.
Additional Ingredients:
1 cup coconut milk.
Coconut or brown sugar.
Colombian cocadas are a traditional sweet treat that is not only delicious, but also easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Whether you follow the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dessert will be a sure hit with your friends and family.
Try them at your next gathering or simply enjoy them as a sweet treat during the week. Bon appetit!