National Dish Peru: Tejas de Ica (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Tejas de Ica, one of Peru’s most treasured sweet treats! Hailing from the sun-drenched region of Ica, these little bites wrap a soft filling of dates, walnuts and a whisper of cinnamon in a snap of glossy chocolate. Whether you set them out for a celebration or simply reach for one with your afternoon coffee, they deliver a moreish balance of fruity sweetness and gentle spice. Bring a taste of southern Peru straight to your own kitchen.
About Tejas de Ica
Tejas de Ica are among the best-known and best-loved sweets in Peru. These delicate confections come from the region of Ica and are prized for their distinctive pairing of dates, walnuts and a touch of cinnamon. The filling is enrobed in a crisp layer of chocolate that complements the flavours within perfectly. Whether for festive occasions or simply as a snack for in between, tejas de ica are a genuine taste sensation and a proud part of Peruvian Peru cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g dates, stoned
- 50 g walnuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 100 g dark chocolate
- A little water
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for tejas de ica, it pays to look for good-quality dates and walnuts. Fresh dates have a softer texture and a more intense flavour, while the walnuts should be crisp and free of any rancid smell. Your best bet is a health-food shop or a well-stocked supermarket, where you can pick out the finest ingredients for the job.
Preparing the dish
Getting the tejas de ica ready is simple and great fun. First, stone the dates and chop them into small pieces to make them easier to work with. The walnuts can be broken down quickly with a knife or in a food processor. Make sure every ingredient is to hand before you begin the actual preparation, so the whole process runs smoothly from start to finish.
Step-by-step instructions
- Combine the dates and walnuts in a bowl and dust with the cinnamon.
- Add a few drops of water to bring the mixture together into a pliable paste.
- Melt the chocolate pieces in a bain-marie until completely smooth and liquid.
- With dampened hands, shape small portions of the date-and-walnut mixture and dip each one into the melted chocolate.
- Set them on baking paper and leave to firm up in the fridge.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Tejas de ica are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, since the main ingredients are simply dates, walnuts and chocolate. When buying the chocolate, do check that it contains no lactose-based ingredients. Dark chocolate is a good choice here, as it is usually lactose-free. That way, anyone with an intolerance can enjoy these delicious little sweets too.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can happily enjoy tejas de ica by using a plant-based chocolate made without any animal products. It is worth reading the label to make sure there are no milk components hidden away. Vegetarians face no restrictions at all with this recipe, as every ingredient is of plant origin. This way everyone can share in these wonderful Peruvian sweets, much like a plate of Alfajores.
More tips and tricks
To take your tejas de ica a step further, try adding other nuts such as almonds or pecans to bring a new note to the flavour. If you like things a touch sweeter, stir a little honey or agave syrup into the filling. You can also experiment with different kinds of chocolate — milk or even white chocolate — for a completely different character. That way you can create the perfect tejas de ica to suit your own taste.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Tejas de ica are wonderfully adaptable when it comes to the recipe. If you prefer almonds or hazelnuts, for example, you can swap them straight in for the walnuts. An extra splash of vanilla will also give the filling a fresh aroma. Depending on your mood, other spices such as nutmeg or cloves can be worked into the mixture to lend an individual touch.
Ingredient substitutions
If dates are hard to come by, you can vary the filling with dried figs or apricots, which offer a similar sweetness. For those after something a little crunchier, rolled oats or rice crispies make a fine addition. The choice of chocolate can vary too: try different brands and styles to find the perfect flavour combination for your tejas de ica — the same spirit of experimentation that makes Picarones so much fun.
Drink pairing ideas
Plenty of drinks pair beautifully with tejas de ica. A freshly brewed coffee harmonises wonderfully with the sweetness of the confections and lifts their flavour. A fruity tea or a warming cup of cocoa makes an equally lovely companion. For festive occasions, a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity cocktail such as the classic Chicha Morada can be an excellent choice.
Serving and presentation ideas
To show off your tejas de ica at their best, arrange them on small dessert plates and decorate with fresh mint leaves. A pretty box or an elegant platter turns the sweets into a stylish gift. You can also set the tejas in decorative paper cases to serve them individually. An appealing presentation makes the whole experience that little bit more special.
A bit of history
Tejas de ica have a rich history closely tied to the region of Ica in Peru. The sweet grew out of the need to make creative use of locally available ingredients. The craft behind these confections has been passed down over generations, and today they are cherished not only locally but have also earned recognition abroad — much like the beloved festive sweet Turron de Dona Pepa.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Tejas de Ica
Tejas de ica are more than just a sweet; they are a piece of Peruvian culture. With their simple yet delicious ingredients and their layered blend of flavours, they make a perfect addition to any celebration or a quiet moment of indulgence. Whether you make them yourself or simply savour them, tejas de ica are sure to be a hit.
