Ghanaian

Nkatie Cake

Nkatie cake is a Ghanaian groundnut brittle made by folding roasted peanuts into hot caramelized sugar. It sets into glossy, crunchy pieces often sold by street vendors and enjoyed as a sweet snack.

Ingredients

• Raw or roasted groundnuts, skins removed1 cup
• Granulated sugar1/2 cup
• Water2 tbsp
• Salt1 small pinch
• Neutral oil, for greasing1 tsp

Method

1. If using raw groundnuts, dry-roast them in a pan over medium heat, stirring often, until nutty and lightly golden, then rub off the skins and let them cool.
2. Lightly grease a metal tray, enamel plate, or clean board with neutral oil and keep it close to the stove.
3. Put the sugar and water in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat and let the sugar dissolve without stirring.
4. Continue cooking the syrup, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a deep amber caramel.
5. Add the roasted groundnuts and pinch of salt, then stir quickly with a wooden spoon until every nut is coated in caramel.
6. Immediately pour the mixture onto the greased tray and press or spread it into a flat layer using the oiled back of a spoon.
7. While still warm but firm enough to handle, score or cut into pieces, or shape into small clusters if preferred.
8. Let the nkatie cake cool completely until hard and glossy before serving.

Common questions