Paraguayan Dulce de Mamón Recipe
Dulce de Mamón, meaning "papaya in syrup" in Spanish, is popular in Paraguay but not entirely unique to it. Various Latin American countries have their own versions of papaya-based desserts, with slight differences in preparation or added flavors. Similar dishes include Dulce de Mamão Verde from Brazil and the Andean Dulce de Papayeula. Dulce de Mamón is a Paraguayan dessert made from papaya and sugar. Prepared slowly over low heat, the papaya and sugar reduce to create a sweet, syrupy treat.
Ingredients
- Papaya, Green or Semi-ripe – 2 lbs.
- Granulated Sugar – 3-4 cups, to taste
- Baking soda – 1 tbsp
- Water – ½- ¾ Gallon, or as needed
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Cinnamon, stick – 1
- Clove – 1
- Zest from orange, lemon, or lime (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- While the water is heating, prepare the fruit. Peel and cut the papaya in half, cutting it into thick wedges after removing the seeds.
- Once the water is at a full boil, completely submerge the cut papaya and boil for 3 minutes.
- Drain the pot and rinse the fruit with cold water, twice.
- In a large pot, fill it with room temperature water, enough to submerge the fruit. Add the baking soda. Stir until baking soda is completely dissolved.
- Add the fruit and let it rest for around 1 hour.
- After 1 hour has passed, drain with a colander and rinse off the baking soda with cold water.
- In a large heavy bottom pot, add sugar and caramelize.
- Set the fruit into the pot and cover it with water, leaving an inch of water above the fruit to ensure full submersion.
- Set the pot to a simmer and cover, leave for 1 hour.
- After an hour, add the cloves, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. If you prefer a citrus flavor, only add the cloves.
- Let simmer for another 1-2 hours and do not stir. Tilt the pan in place of stirring with a spoon.
- Once the liquid has been reduced by half and turned into a syrup texture and amber color, your dish is ready! If you opted for a citrus flavor to curb the sweetness, add the zest as soon as you remove the dish from heat. Serve alone or with cold milk.
Nutrition
Calories: 613kcalCarbohydrates: 158gSodium: 243mgFiber: 2gSugar: 155g
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