Croquant de Dakar

What is it?

Croquant de Dakar is a beloved Senegalese street confection: a glossy, glassy brittle that binds peanuts and sesame seeds in caramel and snaps cleanly with every bite. You’ll see it sold in neat slabs or shards by vendors across the capital, enjoyed with afternoon tea or tucked into paper cones for a quick, sweet crunch. Its roots reflect the region’s long relationship with groundnuts, and today the treat highlights the natural nuttiness of peanuts accented by the toasty perfume of sesame seeds.

Estimated time

30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts, lightly crushed
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons water
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon neutral oil for greasing
• 2 tablespoons grated coconut (optional, for finishing)

Preparation

1. Lightly grease a baking sheet or marble slab with neutral oil. Set a heatproof spatula ready for spreading.
2. Have the measured peanuts and sesame seeds in a bowl by the stove so you can add them quickly to the hot caramel.

Cooking process

1. Make the caramel base: In a medium, heavy saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently just to moisten, then stop stirring. Set over medium heat and let the mixture bubble until it turns a clear amber.
2. Stabilize and scent: As soon as the caramel reaches a rich amber, carefully stir in lemon juice to help prevent crystallization, then add vanilla extract if using.
3. Fold in the nuts and seeds: Working quickly, add the peanuts and sesame seeds. Stir to coat everything evenly in the caramel.
4. Spread and finish: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared surface and spread thinly with the oiled spatula. If you like, sprinkle the top with grated coconut and press lightly so it adheres.
5. Score, then cool: While still pliable, lightly score lines for bars; let cool completely until firm, then break along the lines into crisp shards.

How to enjoy

Serve Croquant de Dakar with hot tea or coffee, or crumble a piece over yogurt or ice cream for texture. For a classic street-snack feel, wrap shards in parchment and tuck them into a pocket for an on-the-go treat. If you enjoy an extra toasty aroma, choose deeply roasted peanuts and a touch more sesame seeds; for a subtle tropical note, finish with a sprinkle of grated coconut.

Tips and troubleshooting

• Keep crystallization at bay: A splash of lemon juice in the pot discourages sugar crystals and keeps the caramel smooth.
• Flavor balance: A tiny pinch of salt sharpens the nuttiness of the peanuts and complements the aroma of sesame seeds.
• Storage: Once cool, store in an airtight container away from humidity to preserve the signature snap.