Miel de chancaca

Miel de chancaca is a syrup made from chancaca, which is an unrefined sugar derived from sugarcane juice. It is commonly used in South American cuisine and is especially emblematic of Peru. The primary ingredient is chancaca, which is typically sold in solid blocks.

Usually, chancaca is mixed with additional ingredients, such as orange peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sometimes even a bit of sweet potato or pineapple rind, to make the syrup. The latter ingredients are used to infuse the syrup with more flavor.

The solid chancaca is broken into smaller pieces and combined with water in a pot. The additional flavoring ingredients are then added. This mixture is simmered until the chancaca is fully dissolved and the liquid takes on a syrupy consistency. After simmering, the mixture is strained to remove the solids, leaving behind a smooth syrup.

Miel de chancaca is a traditional syrup used in various South American desserts. For example, it's often drizzled over picarones, which are sweet, ring-shaped fritters made from squash and sweet potato dough. The syrup provides a rich, sweet, and slightly spiced flavor to the dishes it accompanies.