In brief
- Tablette pistache is a crunchy confection made from peanuts caramelised in cane sugar
- Origin: Haiti, with related versions in the French Antilles (nougat pistache, sik a pistache in Martinique)
- Essential ingredients: shelled peanuts, cane sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg
- A street confection sold by vendors, enjoyed as a snack or during celebrations
Origins and cultural history of tablette pistache
In Haiti and the French Antilles, the word “pistache” refers to the peanut, and not to the fruit of the pistachio tree: tablette pistache is therefore a peanut-based confection. The treat is linked to the rise of sugar cane in Haiti, when sugar was widely available in the country; it remains today a very popular street confection, sold by vendors.
In the French Antilles, a very similar confection exists under other names: nougat pistache or “sik a pistache” (peanut sugar, in Creole) in Martinique, where it was traditionally sold by street vendors near schools.
What are the essential ingredients of tablette pistache
Tablette pistache relies on two main ingredients, peanuts and cane sugar, enhanced with a few spices depending on the family.
- shelled peanuts
- cane sugar
- water
- ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg
- salt
What to know about the tablette pistache
The tablette pistache is a crunchy sweet of peanuts caramelised in cane sugar, flavoured, depending on the family, with cinnamon and nutmeg. In Haiti and the French Antilles, “pistache” means the peanut, not the fruit of the pistachio tree. It is a street sweet sold by women vendors and enjoyed as a snack or at celebrations. Well wrapped in an airtight box and kept away from humidity, it keeps for up to two weeks.
Frequently asked questions about tablette pistache
Why is this confection called “pistache” when it is made from peanuts?
In Haitian Creole, as in the speech of the French Antilles, “pistache” is the common name for the peanut. The confection’s name therefore comes from this local use of the word, unrelated to the fruit of the pistachio tree.
How long does tablette pistache keep?
Well wrapped in an airtight box and kept at room temperature, away from moisture, tablette pistache keeps for up to two weeks.
Where can I find the ingredients for tablette pistache in France?
NKOSI sells the shelled peanuts, cane sugar and cinnamon used in this recipe on nkosiagro.com and ships them from the Paris area within 24 to 72 working hours, to mainland France (2 to 3 working days) and to ten European countries. The minimum order is 39 €: in France, delivery to a pickup point is then free, and home delivery is free from 69 €.
