Maní Garapiñado

COSTA RICA EXTRA – Maní garapiñado (caramelized peanuts) is a great treat. The easy way to get some is to head to the local supermarket, pulperia (corner store) or peanut roaster (several along Avenida Central in downtown San José) to buy a bag or a hand full.

But, what’s the fun in that when you can make this delicious treat in your own kitchen.

If you are up to the challenge, here is a recipe by Chef Paola Magaña Umaña at Sabores:

The ingredients

1 kg of peanuts
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp. water
1 tsp. vanilla
Red food colouring

The Process

Pro snacks makes a mean garapiñado but nothing like the taste of homemade and the satisfaction of making it yourself.

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with wax paper and set aside for now.

2. In a large, heavy skillet, combine the water, sugar and peanuts over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, while the liquid reduces and becomes syrupy. After about 10 minutes, the mixture will turn grainy and the peanuts will look sandy.

4. Continue to cook and stir the mixture. The peanuts will get darker, and over time the grainy sugar will give the garapiñado consistency.

4. Remove from pan, spread on a tray with wax paper, let cool and serve.

Told you it was simple.