Welcome to Guava Paste Recipe! Guava Paste is a sweet dessert made from guava fruit from Latin American Cuisine. In this post, I am going to cover Homemade Guava Paste Recipe along with its ingredients, equipment, exact steps, storage techniques, and much more! So please continue reading.
What is Guava Paste?
Guava paste, also known as “bocadillo“ in many Latin American countries, is a delightful delicacy made from ripe guavas. It holds significant cultural importance in regions where guavas are abundant, often being a staple in traditional cuisine.
Guava Paste Recipe embodies a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Its vibrant color and rich flavor add depth to various recipes, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide.
Origin and History of Guava Paste Recipe
Guava paste traces its roots to Latin America, particularly Colombia and other tropical regions where guavas thrive. Its history dates back to indigenous cultures that revered guavas for their medicinal properties and culinary versatility.
Over time, Spanish colonizers introduced sugar, leading to the creation of guava paste as a sweet delicacy. Today, guava paste is cherished for its rich flavor and cultural significance.
Why Make It at Home?
Making guava paste at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality. You can adjust the sweetness and flavor to suit your taste preferences, avoiding any additives or preservatives commonly found in store-bought versions.
Additionally, homemade guava paste provides the satisfaction of creating a delicious treat from scratch, fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection to the cooking process. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, homemade guava paste promises a flavorful and wholesome experience for you and your loved ones.
Ingredients Required
Below, I have mentioned the ingredients needed to prepare a homemade guava paste recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh Guavas | 4 pounds (about 1.8 kg) |
| Granulated Sugar | 3 cups (600 g) |
| Water | 2 cups (480 ml) |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons (30 ml) |
| Honey (optional) | 1/4 cup (60 ml) |
| Vanilla Extract (optional) | 1 teaspoon (5 ml) |
These simple ingredients come together to create a delectable treat that can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in various culinary creations.
Equipment You’ll Need
Below I have listed all the exact equipment needed to make your Homemade Guava Paste:
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
These specific tools ensure precision and efficiency in the preparation of the guava paste recipe. So gather them and proceed to the preparation steps.
Exact Steps for Making Guava Paste at Home
Step 1: Wash and clean the guavas
Rinse the guavas thoroughly under running water to get rid of any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Peel and seed the guavas
Peel the guavas using a knife or vegetable peeler. Cut them in half and remove the seeds using a spoon.
Step 3: Cut the guavas into pieces
Chop the peeled and seeded guavas into small pieces to facilitate blending.
Step 4: Blend the guava pieces
Place the guava pieces in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Step 5: Prepare the saucepan
Grease a large saucepan lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Cook the guava puree
Transfer the blended guava puree to the prepared saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and burning.
Step 7: Add sugar and lemon juice
Once the guava puree begins to simmer, add granulated sugar and lemon juice to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
Step 8: Reduce the heat and simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a paste-like consistency. This could take one to one and a half hours.
Step 9: Test for doneness
To check if the guava paste is ready, spoon a small amount onto a plate. If it holds its shape and doesn’t slide off, it’s done.
Step 10: Cool and set
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the guava paste cool slightly. Transfer it to a greased or lined container to set.
Step 11: Cut into squares or bars
Once the guava paste has cooled completely and set firm, cut it into desired shapes using a sharp knife.
Step 12: Store in an airtight container
Place the cut guava paste pieces in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator for extended shelf life.
<—– Few Instruction Images —–>
Variations and Additions
Get creative with your guava paste recipe by experimenting with different flavors and additions. You can enhance its taste by incorporating spices like cinnamon or cloves, or by adding other fruits such as mango or pineapple for a unique twist.
Cooking Time and Calorie
Cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, takes approximately 20-30 minutes until it thickens and achieves a smooth consistency. This homemade guava paste recipe contains approximately 100 calories per serving.
Uses of Guava Paste
Guava paste is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways:
- Spread it on toast or crackers for a delicious snack.
- Pair it with cheese for a delightful appetizer.
- Use it as a filling for pastries, cakes, or cookies.
- Incorporate it into sauces, marinades, or glazes for meat or poultry dishes.
Benefits of Guava Paste
Guava paste is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch. Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, it offers several health benefits. Incorporating guava paste into your diet can aid digestion, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being.
Nutritional Information of Guava Paste
Below I have made a table with the nutritional information for guava paste per 1-ounce (28 grams) serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 87 |
| Total Fat | 0.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 21.2 g |
| Protein | 0.4 g |
| Vitamin C | 50% of the Daily Value |
| Iron | 2% of the Daily Value |
| Calcium | 1% of the Daily Value |
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
Storage and Shelf Life
To ensure the longevity of your guava paste, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for several weeks, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavor whenever cravings strike.
Cultural Significance
In many cultures, guava paste holds significant cultural importance and is often featured in traditional dishes and festive celebrations.
Whether it’s enjoyed during holidays or shared among loved ones, guava paste brings people together through its rich taste and cultural heritage.
Alternatives to Guava Paste Recipe
- Guava Jam: Similar to guava paste but with a smoother consistency, guava jam is made by cooking guava pulp with sugar and lemon juice until thickened. It can be spread on toast, pastries, or used as a filling in desserts.
- Guava Jelly: Guava jelly is made by straining guava juice and cooking it with sugar and pectin to achieve a gel-like consistency. It’s perfect for spreading on biscuits or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
- Guava Sauce: A thinner version of guava paste, guava sauce is made by blending guava pulp with water and sugar, then simmering until it reaches a sauce-like consistency. It can be drizzled over desserts, used as a glaze for meats, or stirred into yogurt or oatmeal.
- Guava Syrup: Guava syrup is made by boiling guava pulp with water and sugar until thickened into a syrupy consistency. It can be used to sweeten beverages and cocktails or poured over pancakes and ice cream for a tropical twist.
These alternatives offer different textures and uses for enjoying the delicious flavor of guavas in various culinary creations.
Conclusion
Guava paste is not just a culinary delight; it’s a symbol of tradition, culture, and community. With its irresistible flavor and numerous uses, it’s no wonder that this humble delicacy continues to captivate taste buds around the world.
Check out more delicious dessert recipes below:
• Paula Deen’s Peanut Brittle Recipe
• Tuxedo Cake Recipe
• Russian Medovik Cake Recipe with Honey
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
-
Can I use canned guavas to make guava paste?
While fresh guavas are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use canned guavas as a substitute if fresh ones are not available.
-
Is guava paste high in sugar?
The sweetness of guava paste largely depends on the amount of sugar added during the cooking process. You can adjust the sugar content according to your taste preferences.
-
Can I freeze guava paste for long-term storage?
Yes, guava paste can be frozen for extended periods to prolong its shelf life. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
-
What are some creative ways to use guava paste in recipes?
Guava paste can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including desserts, marinades, and sauces. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to discover new culinary delights.
-
Is guava paste gluten-free?
Yes, guava paste is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
Recipe Card
Easy Homemade Guava Paste Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan Medium-sized
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 4 pounds about 1.8 kg of fresh guavas
- 3 cups 600 g of granulated sugar
- 2 cups 480 ml of water
- 2 tablespoons 30 ml of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup 60 ml of honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon 5 ml of vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Wash and clean the guavas
- Rinse the guavas thoroughly under running water to get rid of any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Peel and seed the guavas
- Peel the guavas using a knife or vegetable peeler. Cut them in half and remove the seeds using a spoon.
Step 3: Cut the guavas into pieces
- Chop the peeled and seeded guavas into small pieces to facilitate blending.
Step 4: Blend the guava pieces
- Place the guava pieces in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Step 5: Prepare the saucepan
- Grease a large saucepan lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Cook the guava puree
- Transfer the blended guava puree to the prepared saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and burning.
Step 7: Add sugar and lemon juice
- Once the guava puree begins to simmer, add granulated sugar and lemon juice to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
Step 8: Reduce the heat and simmer
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a paste-like consistency. This could take one to one and a half hours.
Step 9: Test for doneness
- To check if the guava paste is ready, spoon a small amount onto a plate. If it holds its shape and doesn’t slide off, it’s done.
Step 10: Cool and set
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the guava paste cool slightly. Transfer it to a greased or lined container to set.
Step 11: Cut into squares or bars
- Once the guava paste has cooled completely and set firm, cut it into desired shapes using a sharp knife.
Step 12: Store in an airtight container
- Place the cut guava paste pieces in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator for extended shelf life.
2 thoughts on “Easy Homemade Guava Paste Recipe”