Dulce de Membrillo (Quince Paste)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dulce de Membrillo is a classic confection that captures the essence of autumn with its intense, sweet, and subtly tangy flavor. The quince fruit is naturally pectin-rich, which helps the paste firm up beautifully, creating a satisfying texture. Combined with sugar and lemon juice, the quince becomes a flavorful spread that’s perfect for pairing with cheeses, adding to pastries, or even enjoying on its own. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to capture the authentic flavors and aroma of this timeless treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 large quince
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 cups of water

Directions

1. Prepare the quince: Wash the quince thoroughly to remove any fuzz. Cut the quinces into quarters, remove the cores, and cut the remaining fruit into chunks.
2. Cook the quince: In a large pot, place the quince chunks and add the water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the quince is tender and has turned a pale pink color.
3. Puree the quince: Once the quince is soft, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chunks to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. You can discard the cooking water or reserve it for another use.
4. Cook the paste: Return the quince puree to the pot. Add the sugar and lemon juice. Stir to combine, and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the mixture thickens and reaches a paste-like consistency. Be patient during this step; the paste should hold its shape when spooned, but still be spreadable.
5. Test the consistency: To check if the paste is ready, spoon a little onto a plate and let it cool. It should firm up slightly and not be runny when you touch it.
6. Transfer to a mold: Once the quince paste has thickened, pour it into a greased mold or a parchment-lined baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Cool and set: Allow the quince paste to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate it for several hours or overnight to help it firm up further.
8. Slice and serve: After the quince paste has fully set, cut it into slices or cubes and serve. It pairs beautifully with cheeses, crackers, or as a topping for desserts.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 12-16 slices (depending on size)
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 2-2.5 hours (including simmering and reducing)
• Total time: 3 hours (including cooling)

Storage/Reheating

Store Dulce de Membrillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the quince paste for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours before slicing.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits instead of quince?

While quince is the traditional fruit for this recipe, you can experiment with apples or pears. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be different, but they can still work well as a fruit paste.

2. Can I make this recipe with less sugar?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar amount to your liking. However, sugar is essential for the paste’s texture, so reducing it too much may affect the final result. Try cutting the sugar by ¼ to ½ cup if you prefer it less sweet.

3. Can I make Dulce de Membrillo without lemon juice?

Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the quince and enhances the flavor. You can omit it if necessary, but it’s recommended to keep it for the best flavor.

4. Is there a quicker method for making Dulce de Membrillo?

The traditional method takes some time to cook and reduce, but you can speed it up by using a pressure cooker to cook the quince more quickly. Just be mindful that the cooking time for the paste might vary.

5. Can I use canned quince for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh quince for the most authentic flavor and texture. Canned quince will likely have a different consistency and might not work as well for making paste.

6. Can I store Dulce de Membrillo at room temperature?

Dulce de Membrillo should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent it from spoiling. It can be kept at room temperature for a few hours, but it’s best to refrigerate it afterward.

7. How can I use Dulce de Membrillo?

Dulce de Membrillo is often paired with cheese (especially Manchego), served with crackers, or spread on toast. It can also be used as a topping for cakes or pastries, or even incorporated into sauces.

8. Can I add spices to the paste?

Yes, you can add spices like cinnamon or cloves to the quince paste while it’s cooking to enhance the flavor. This adds an extra layer of warmth and depth.

9. Why is my quince paste too runny?

If the paste is too runny, continue to cook it over low heat and stir frequently until it thickens. Be patient, as it may take time to reach the right consistency.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you’d like to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times slightly, as a larger volume may take a little longer to reduce.

Conclusion

Dulce de Membrillo (Quince Paste) is a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful treat that captures the essence of the quince fruit. Its dense, smooth texture and balance of sweetness make it perfect for pairing with cheese, spreading on toast, or adding to various desserts. With a little patience and simple ingredients, you can make this traditional treat at home and enjoy its unique flavors for weeks to come. Enjoy this delightful quince paste with your favorite accompaniments!

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