Thai peanut brittle (or Thua Tat) ? a traditional Thai candy made from peanuts and caramelized sugar. **Thai Peanut Brittle (Thua Tat): Aromatic Traditional Thai Peanut Candy** **1. History of Thai Peanut Brittle** Thai peanut brittle is a traditional Thai sweet with a long history, particularly popular in central Thailand's peanut-growing regions like Lopburi, Saraburi, and Nakhon Sawan. This confection originated from local wisdom in food preservation, combining indigenous peanuts with sugar and coconut milk to extend shelf life. Historically, peanut brittle was made for special occasions like **Sart Thai festival, weddings, and housewarming ceremonies** due to its labor-intensive preparation and valuable ingredients like palm sugar and fresh coconut milk. Villagers believed offering it to monks would bring good fortune. Today, it remains a popular regional specialty gift, with modern variations incorporating coffee, chocolate, or herbs. --- **2. Key Ingredients** **2.1 Main Ingredients** 1. **Roasted peanuts** (500g) - Select large, fresh peanuts without rancid smell - Traditionally dry-roasted for enhanced aroma 2. **Palm sugar** (400g) - Provides natural sweetness and distinctive fragrance - Partially substitutable with brown sugar 3. **Fresh coconut milk** (200ml) - Creates chewy texture and rich flavor 4. **Salt** (oe tsp) - Balances sweetness **2.2 Optional Additions** - Toasted white sesame seeds (garnish) - Shredded mature coconut (texture) - Pandan leaves (aroma) - Pepper (cuts richness) --- **3. Traditional Preparation Method** **3.1 Peanut Preparation** 1. **Roasting** - Dry-roast raw peanuts over low heat until golden - Cool partially before removing some skins 2. **Crushing** - Coarsely crush for optimal crunch **3.2 Caramel Making** 1. **Melting sugar** - Melt palm sugar with water in copper pan 2. **Adding coconut milk** - Incorporate coconut milk and salt until thickened **3.3 Combining** 1. **Mixing** - Quickly combine hot syrup with peanuts 2. **Kneading** - Work mixture until pliable **3.4 Shaping** 1. **Pressing** - Press into oiled tray (1-2cm thick) 2. **Cutting** - Cut into squares while warm - Optionally top with sesame --- **4. Flavor Profile** **4.1 Aroma** - Nutty roasted peanut fragrance - Subtle pandan notes if used **4.2 Taste** - Sweet richness from palm sugar/coconut - Salty undertones - Deep peanut flavor **4.3 Texture** - Crunchy peanut pieces - Chewy caramel binding --- **5. Comparison: Mung Bean vs Peanut Brittle** | Characteristic | **Mung Bean Version** | **Peanut Version** | |---------------|----------------------|-------------------| | **Base Ingredient** | Hulled mung beans | Roasted peanuts | | **Flavor** | Milder, creamier | Robust, nutty | | **Texture** | Softer | Crunchier | | **Regional Preference** | Central Thailand | Central/Northern | --- **6. Storage Serving** - Store airtight in cool place - Pair with hot tea/coffee - 1-2 week shelf life at room temperature --- **7. Cultural Significance** This humble candy represents: - Thai agricultural heritage - Buddhist merit-making traditions - Regional culinary identity - Sustainable food preservation techniques More than just a sweet treat, Thai peanut brittle embodies generations of culinary wisdom - a perfect balance of texture, taste, and tradition that continues to delight modern palates while connecting Thais to their cultural roots.