Senegalese Gozinaki
Background
Gozinaki is a delightful traditional dish, commonly associated with festive celebrations and special occasions. Though its origins can be traced back to the Caucasus region, this Senegalese adaptation incorporates local flavors and ingredients. Known for its simplicity and delicious taste, Gozinaki is a testament to culinary creativity across cultures.
Ingredients
- Peanuts - 200g
- Honey - 150ml
- Sugar - 50g
- Lemon (Juice) - 1 teaspoon
- Water - a few drops
- Cooking Oil (for greasing) - enough to coat a baking sheet
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the peanuts are roasted and without skins.
Step 2: Caramel Preparation
In a saucepan, combine honey and sugar. Add a few drops of water and the lemon juice to prevent crystallization. Stir the mixture over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Cooking the Mixture
Increase the heat to medium and continue stirring until the caramel reaches a golden color. This should take around 10 minutes. Make sure to monitor the cooking time as overheating can burn the caramel.
Complete Cooking Process
Step 4: Add Peanuts
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the peanuts. Make sure they are evenly coated with the caramel mixture.
Step 5: Shaping the Gozinaki
Pour the mixture onto a lightly oiled surface or a baking sheet greased with cooking oil. Use a spatula to spread it into a rectangular shape, about 1cm thick.
Step 6: Cutting and Cooling
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it hardens slightly, but is still malleable. Use a sharp knife to cut it into diamond or rectangular shapes.
Step 7: Final Cooling
Allow the cut pieces to cool completely. This could take about 30 minutes, depending on room temperature. Use a cooking timer to track the cooling time.
Enjoying Your Gozinaki
Senegalese Gozinaki is best enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It can also be served as a sweet treat during festive gatherings or shared with family and friends during relaxed afternoons.
If stored in an airtight container, these treats can remain fresh for up to 2 weeks. Remember to keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their delicious crunch.
Gozinaki can also serve as a conversation starter, as you share the interesting mix of cultural influences behind this sweet delight.