It's an interesting process and a handmade gift. It is easier to buy navat - on the Uzbek counter it comes in several varieties (white, amber, saffron).
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sweets · easy
Navat (Uzbek crystalline sugar)
Navat - crystalline brown sugar on a stick: a natural sweetness to Uzbek tea. You can cook at home with long exposure.
- Preparation
- 10 min
- Cooking.
- 10 min
- Totally.
- 20 min
- portion
- 4
Navat is a crystalline brown sugar, which in Uzbek tradition is served instead of regular refined sugar. It grows in crystals on a stick or thread directly in sugar syrup; the process takes 5-7 days. At home, you can make navat - you only need a large glass jar, a thick thread or a wooden stick, sugar and patience. The result is a natural sweetness with a warm caramel aftertaste.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1. In the pan, mix sugar and water; bring to complete dissolution on a quiet fire.
- 2
Step 2. Cook the syrup for 7-10 minutes to the density of "dense honey" (with a spoon stretches a thread).
- 3
Step 3. Optionally add a pinch of citric acid - for transparency.
- 4
Step 4. Remove from the fire; let the syrup cool for 10 minutes (up to 60 °C).
- 5
Step 5. Prepare the seed: moisten the thread in water, collapse in sugar, let it dry for 1 hour.
- 6
Step 6. Hang the thread in the jar so that it does not touch the bottom and walls.
- 7
Step 7. Pour the cooled syrup into the jar without moving the thread.
- 8
Step 8. Cover the jar with cloth; put in a warm place without drafts.
- 9
Step 9. After 5-7 days, the crystals will grow on the thread; remove them carefully.
- 10
Step 10. Let nawatu dry on a plate for 1-2 days.
Technological tips
- The syrup must be oversaturated or the crystals will not grow.
- Drafts and sudden movements inhibit crystallization.
- You can paint saffron syrup for yellow nat - a traditional Uzbek version.
- Do not use metal objects in the jar - they interfere with crystallization.
FAQ
Navat (Uzbek crystalline sugar) – frequent questions
Gather a basket.
Collect ingredients for the recipe in the Uzbek bazaar
Rice, spices, dried fruits, nuts, flatbread non and tea for most recipes can be picked up at our counter. Visit Riga Central Market: Nēģu iela 7, daily from 09:00 to 17:00.