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West AfricanAuthentic Cuisine

West African Nut Sweet

Serves 4 to 6 Dessert vegetarian, Desserts

West African Nut Sweet

West African Nut Sweet is a beloved treat that finds its way to the table in the warmth of family settings across the region. It is not bound by festive occasions or special celebrations but is instead a comforting presence in everyday life, enjoyed leisurely with afternoon tea or as a simple dessert after dinner. This home-style version reflects the intuitive cooking practices of West African households, where salt is judged by hand and no one measures fat too precisely.

With its buttery richness and nutty crunch, this sweet delivers a harmonious blend of textures. The sugar adds a delicate sweetness that balances the savory notes of the nuts, while the eggs and flour bind it into a tender, almost cake-like consistency. It's meant to be shared, inviting everyone to partake in its simple, satisfying pleasure.

Ingredients

  • 200 gnuts — chopped
  • 150 gsugar
  • 100 gbutter
  • 2eggs
  • 100 gflour

Method

  1. Begin by bringing 2 eggs and 100 g of butter to room temperature. This ensures they incorporate smoothly into the mixture, preventing any curdling or uneven texture.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the 100 g of butter over low heat. Once melted, add 150 g of sugar and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes a smooth, golden syrup.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Gradually whisk in the room temperature eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will create a rich, creamy custard base.
  4. Sift 100 g of flour into the custard mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense texture. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
  5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking dish with parchment paper and spread 200 g of nuts evenly across the bottom. Pour the batter over the nuts, ensuring it covers them completely.
  6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the mixture has set. This should result in a firm, nutty base with a soft, sweet top.
  7. Allow the West African Nut Sweet to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the dessert firm up further, making it easier to slice and serve.
  8. Finish by cutting into squares or rectangles, showcasing the layers of nuts and sweet custard. Serve warm or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to be fully appreciated.
Cover of Authentic West African Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic West African Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic West African Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the West African volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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