Cubans love their guavas and knows how to eat them too! Here is a traditional Cuban dish, a quick and easy dessert recipe that pairs well with almost all meals. This dessert may be eaten on its own or sided with cheese (with cream cheese is truly delicious).
Ingredients:
- 2 kg ripe guavas
- ½ kg refined sugar
Directions:
Peel the guavas trying not to damage the outer pulp of the fruit (this is what it's called helmet) while removing the skin.
Slice each guava in half and scoop the inner pulp and the seeds out with a teaspoon and discard.
Clean each helmet thoroughly and put them in a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Then, take all the water out.
Add fresh water until the helmets are covered again. Place once more over medium heat, add half the sugar, keep cooking and stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent it from sticking to the pot. After cooking for a while stir in the rest of the sugar (You don't have to add it all, the amount varies according to taste). Remove from heat when the helmets are soft and the syrup has reached the desired consistency.
Servings: 6
Notes:
The final colour of the guava helmets in syrup depends on the variety of the fruit you are using. Red guavas make dark red helmets and white ones will make for a yellowish dessert. The discarded pulp and seeds may be used to make an excellent guava juice. Just add water and sugar, blend well and strain.
