"Dulce de papaya" is a treasure of Yucatecan cuisine, a traditional dessert that evokes the flavor of homes across the peninsula. This recipe, passed down through generations, transforms a common fruit like papaya into an exquisite and sweet delicacy, perfect for serving after a meal. Its preparation is a ritual of patience and flavor, where green papaya is slow-cooked with sugar and spices like cinnamon, resulting in a sweet with a syrupy consistency and an unparalleled taste. It's a simple yet memorable dessert that captures the essence of Yucatecan gastronomy.
Recipe for Dulce de Papaya
Ingredients:
- 1 papaya of 3 kilos approx
- 1 kilo of sugar
- 10 grams cinnamon sticks
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 liter of water
- 3 tbs. baking powder
- 6 fig leaves
- 100 grams of cubed Dutch cheese
Instructions:
- Clean the papaya and remove the skin and seeds.
- Cut lengthwise in strips 4 to 5 cm. wide, then in triangles 7 x 5 cm.
- Soak in water with baking powder, enough to cover, for an hour, then rinse.
- Put in a pot and add the sugar, water, vanilla, cinnamon and fig leaves.
- Cover and cook at low heat for 90 min. without stirring.
- Remove from heat and cool before chilling.
- Serve with cheese cubes.
Photo credit: Habaneros Restaurante
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