Desserts > Caribbean > Puerto Rican

Piragua with Caramel Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 cups of shaved ice
- 1/4 cup of caramel sauce

Special equipment needed:
- Blender
- Saucepan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir.
3. Cook the mixture until it turns a deep amber color, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully add the heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
5. Allow the caramel sauce to cool to room temperature.
6. In a blender, blend the shaved ice until it is finely crushed.
7. Pour the caramel sauce over the shaved ice and mix until the ice is coated.
8. Serve the piragua in a cup or cone and drizzle with additional caramel sauce.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for the saucepan
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- You can use any flavor of syrup or sauce instead of caramel sauce.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the piragua for added texture.
- Use different flavors of syrup or sauce to create different variations of the piragua.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to not stir the sugar and water mixture while it boils to prevent crystallization.
- Allow the caramel sauce to cool before adding the cream to prevent it from splattering.
- Use a sharp knife to shave the ice for a finer texture.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating instructions:
- Microwave the caramel sauce in 10-second intervals until it reaches the desired consistency.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the piragua in a clear cup or cone to showcase the layers of ice and caramel sauce.

Garnishes:
- Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top of the piragua.
- Top with whipped cream and a cherry.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing snack.

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Potato salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the caramel sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of heavy cream to thin it out.

Food safety advice:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar as it can cause severe burns.

Food history:
- Piragua is a Puerto Rican shaved ice dessert that is commonly sold by street vendors.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and creamy with a hint of saltiness.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert or a refreshing snack on a hot day.

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Region: Puerto Rican

Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Nutty, Caramelized