Wangla Sweet, or Dulce de Ajonjolí, is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Belizean heritage. Originating from the quaint villages of the Cayo District, this toasted sesame seed delight has been passed down through generations. It’s a staple during Belizean festivities and a sweet reminder of home for those far away.
Belizean Wangla Recipe Ingredients:
- 3 cups raw sesame seeds (Amazon)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor
European Measurements
- 475 ml raw sesame seeds
- 710 ml granulated sugar
Dietary Alternatives
- Vegan: Use coconut sugar (Amazon) instead of granulated sugar.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Belizean Wangla Recipe Preparation and Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Wangla Sweet
Toasting the Sesame Seeds
- Place raw sesame seeds in a non-stick pan (Amazon).
- Toast the seeds over low heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once they turn golden brown and emit a nutty aroma, remove the pan from heat. Transfer the seeds to a bowl to prevent further cooking.
Melting the Sugar
- Place 3 cups of sugar in a large, heavy pan (Amazon).
- Let the sugar melt over medium heat. Do not stir; swirl the pan instead to avoid crystallization.
- Once the sugar is fully melted and turns amber, remove it from heat.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the toasted sesame seeds to the melted sugar and stir well.
- Continue to cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Final Steps
- Pour the caramelized sesame seeds onto a well-buttered wooden board.
- Use a spatula (Amazon) to spread the mixture. Be cautious as it will be hot.
- While still hot, slice the mixture into your desired shapes—squares, triangles, or rectangles.
- Let the Wangla Sweet cool completely before storing it in jars or airtight containers.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Experience
Pair your Wangla Sweet with a cup of Belizean-style black tea or a glass of cold horchata for a truly authentic experience.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality sesame seeds for the best flavor.
- Swirling the pan while melting sugar prevents crystallization.
- Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150 per serving
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
We’d love to hear about your experiences with this recipe. Feel free to share your variations and tips in the comments below. Your input helps us all become better cooks and keeps the Belizean culinary tradition alive and vibrant.
Enjoy your homemade Wangla Sweet, a delightful sesame dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Shop This Recipe
Sesame Seeds
Wangla — Belize’s sesame seed candy — needs raw sesame seeds toasted fresh and bound with cane sugar. Frontier Co-op’s organic whole seeds toast evenly without the burnt edges of pre-toasted product.
Heavy Stock Pot
Wangla candy boils sesame seeds in cane sugar to a hard crack; a heavy pot spreads the heat so the sugar doesn’t scorch.
Wooden Spatula
Keep the molten sugar moving with a wooden spatula so every sesame seed stays coated.
About Joe Post
Joe Post is the founder and editor of Belize News Post. He grew up in Corozal Town, Belize, on the Caribbean sea with a view across Corozal Bay to Cerro Maya. He has lived in Costa Rica, Kenya, England, Spain, and the United States. He grew up cooking alongside his mother and grandmother, and has personally tested the vast majority of the recipes on this site. He started BNP in the early 2000s as one of the few independent Belizean news sources online. Over the years, the food became the stickiest thing. News comes and goes. Food stays.
