
West Africa · Dessert
Granat Cake (Caramelized Peanut Brittle Squares)
Classic Sierra Leonean hard peanut brittle squares bound in dark ginger-infused brown sugar caramel.
The story
Granat Cake—named after the Krio term 'granat' for groundnut—is ubiquitous across Sierra Leone, sold by tray-bearing vendors in street markets and served during festive occasions. Crafted from local dry-roasted peanuts and unrefined cane sugar, this confection provides an enduring crunch balanced by fiery fresh ginger. Street confectioners maintain that adding a touch of fresh citrus juice keeps the boiled cane sugar clear and prevents early recrystallization during rolling.
Cook this next

Benne Cake (Crisp Sesame Seed Brittle)
A glossy, snapping Sierra Leonean brittle made of aromatic toasted sesame seeds suspended in spiced caramelized sugar.

Binch Akara (Deep-Fried Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)
Crispy, golden-crusted black-eyed pea fritters with an airy, soufflé-like interior spiced with onions and hot pepper.

Fry Fry (Fried Plantains, Fish Balls, and Pepper Sauce)
Crisp fish balls, caramelized sweet plantains, and a fiery habanero tomato-onion relish from Freetown night vendors.

Kanya (Pounded Toasted Peanut and Rice Flour Sweet)
A crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth Mende sweet confection made from dry-toasted rice and roasted peanuts pounded with sugar.