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Dulce de Membrillo (Quince Paste)

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A rich and sweet quince paste made from quince fruit, sugar, and lemon juice, perfect for pairing with cheese or adding to desserts. A delicious, dense spread with a subtly tangy flavor.

Ingredients

2 large quince

1 ½ cups sugar

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

3 cups of water

Instructions

  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.
  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.

Notes

You can experiment with other fruits like apples or pears, though the texture and flavor will differ from quince.

Feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste, but keep in mind that sugar helps the paste firm up.

Lemon juice enhances the flavor, but can be omitted if desired.

For a quicker method, you can use a pressure cooker to cook the quince faster.

Add spices like cinnamon or cloves for an extra layer of flavor if desired.

If the paste is too runny, continue cooking it over low heat until it thickens to the desired consistency.

Nutrition