Dulce de Membrillo: How to Follow A Sweet Tradition
Dulce de Membrillo, also known as quince paste, is a sweet, thick jelly made from quince fruit. Here's a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients
- 4 Large quinces
- 4 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 Cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 Lemon (for juice)
- Water
Instructions
- Prepare the Quinces:Wash and peel the quinces. Remove the cores and seeds.Cut the quinces into small, uniform-sized pieces.
- Cook the Quinces:Place the quince pieces in a large pot and cover them with water.Add the juice of one lemon to prevent the quinces from browning.Optionally, add a cinnamon stick for flavor.Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook until the quinces are tender. This may take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Strain and Puree:Once the quinces are soft, strain them, discarding the liquid and cinnamon stick.Puree the cooked quinces using a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Cooking the Paste:In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the quince puree and sugar.Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pot. This may take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Testing for Doneness:To check if the dulce de membrillo is ready, spoon a small amount onto a cold plate. If it sets and holds its shape, it's done.
- Cooling and Storage:Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.Transfer the dulce de membrillo to a mold or dish lined with parchment paper.Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Serving:Once chilled and set, you can cut the dulce de membrillo into squares or slices. It pairs well with cheese, crackers, or can be enjoyed on its own.