Belizean Cutubrute Recipe

Belizean Cutubrute (Coconut Candy)

Dive into the heart of Belizean cuisine with this authentic Cutubrute recipe, a traditional coconut candy that embodies the sweet, spicy, and utterly delightful flavors of Belize. Made with just a handful of ingredients, including coconut, brown sugar, water, and a touch of ginger, Cutubrute is a simple yet exquisite confection that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Perfect for those seeking a taste of Belizean culture or a unique coconut treat to share, this recipe guides you through each step to create a delectable candy.

Cutubrute Recipe Ingredients:

• Fresh Coconut (ideally not too old)
• Brown sugar
• Water
• 1 teaspoon of ginger (grated fresh ginger is preferred)

Belizean Cutubrute Recipe Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coconut:
   • Find the soft hole among the three on the coconut. Use a knife to open it and drain the water. Expect to collect about 1 to 1.5 cups of coconut water.
   • Crack the coconut open with the back end of a cleaver and use a small knife to remove the meat. Be careful during this step to avoid injury.
   • Rinse the coconut meat to remove any shell fragments. Dice the coconut meat into small pieces around 1 to 2 cm.
2. Cooking Process:
   • On medium to high heat, add brown sugar to a heavy bottom pot. Break up any lumps.
   • Strain the coconut water to ensure no shell chips are included and add it to the pot. Stir to let the sugar dissolve.
   • Add the diced coconut pieces to the pot, ensuring they are well-coated with the sugar-water mixture.
   • Stir in 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger.
   • Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then add the rest of the water. The coconut needs to boil until tender.
   • Reduce the heat to medium as the mixture starts to reduce and thicken. You don’t need a candy thermometer; the confection is ready when it releases from the side of the pot.
3. Finalizing the Candy:
   • Prepare a baking tray by running water over it (do not grease it).
   • Once the mixture is ready, spread it out on the tray.
   • Score the candy immediately to make it easier to cut into pieces later.
   • Let it set, then use a dough cutter to lift and separate the pieces. The candy will be sticky and gooey.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy this traditional Belizean treat as a delicious snack or a survival treat, showcasing the rich flavors of coconut, brown sugar, and ginger.

Notes:

• Patience is key when dicing the coconut into small pieces for the perfect texture.
• Fresh ginger enhances the flavor, but you can adjust the amount according to your taste preference.

Estimated Nutritional Information per Serving

• Calories: 104.48 kcal
• Fat: 2.68 g
• Carbohydrates: 20.87 g
• Sugar: 19.74 g
• Fiber: 0.72 g
• Protein: 0.27 g

FAQ: Understanding Belizean Cutubrute and Related Coconut Treats

What are other spellings for Cutubrute?

Cutubrut is a unique Belizean candy with a few variations in its spelling, reflecting the diverse linguistic heritage of Belize. Some common alternative spellings include “cut-o-brut”, “Kotobrut” and “Cutobrut.” Despite the variations in spelling, all refer to the same delicious coconut-based confection, a staple in Belizean cuisine.

Is Cutubrute the same thing as Tableta?

No, Cutubrute and Tableta are not the same, although both are traditional Belizean sweets made from coconut. Cutubrute is a coconut candy that is boiled and then hardened into a brittle-like texture, often flavored with ginger. The size of the coconut in the treat is a major difference too. For cutubrute, the coconut is cubed into approximately quarter-inch cubes. Tableta, on the other hand, is more of a coconut fudge or soft candy, which is usually made by cooking coconut milk with sugar until it thickens, then cooling it to form a soft, chewy treat. The coconut for tableta is shredded rather than cubed.

What is Tableta?

Tableta is a traditional Belizean coconut treat that resembles a soft, chewy fudge. It is made from condensed coconut milk and sugar, cooked together until thick and caramelized, then poured into molds or a tray to set. Unlike Cutubrute, which has a brittle texture, Tableta is known for its soft and chewy consistency often enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert.

What is Stretch Mi Guts?

“Stretch Mi Guts” is another Belizean delicacy, colloquially named for its sweet, satisfying nature that makes one want to eat more and more. It is a candy made from grated coconut and ginger, similar to Cutubrute, but often has a softer, more taffy-like texture. The name humorously refers to the candy’s addictive quality and the temptation to overindulge.

Why is coconut part of so many Belizean food recipes?

Coconut is a staple ingredient in Belizean cuisine due to the country’s abundant coconut trees and the versatile nature of coconuts. It is used in both sweet and savory dishes, providing a rich, tropical flavor that enhances the food. Coconuts are highly nutritious, offering essential fats, minerals, and vitamins. Their availability, combined with their nutritional value and flavor profile, makes coconuts an integral part of the Belizean diet, reflecting the cultural and culinary heritage of the region.