Papaya Candy
Papaya Candy Recipe - Vegan Brazilian Dessert
Introduction
Papaya candy is a sweet and delicious treat that is popular in many cultures around the world. Made from fresh papaya and sugar, this candy is a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of this tropical fruit.
History
Papaya candy has been enjoyed for centuries in countries where papayas are grown. The process of making papaya candy involves cooking the fruit with sugar until it becomes crystallized, creating a sweet and chewy treat.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Cut the papaya into fine strips, then peel and wash it thoroughly.
- Place the papaya and sugar on a low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Cook for ten minutes, then set it aside for half an hour.
- After half an hour, reheat it on a higher flame until the mixture becomes crystallized.
- Shortly afterwards, remove it from the heat and mold it into different shapes using a spoon and fork.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Mix in some shredded coconut for added texture.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use firm papayas for this recipe, as they will hold their shape better when cooked.
- It is important to wash the papaya thoroughly before cutting it into strips to remove any dirt or residue.
- Keep an eye on the mixture while cooking to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.
- Mold the candy into shapes quickly after removing it from the heat, as it will harden as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
Papaya candy can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet snack, or used as a topping for desserts such as ice cream or yogurt.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making papaya candy is to cook the fruit with sugar until it becomes crystallized. This process creates a chewy and sweet candy that is perfect for snacking.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have papaya, you can use other fruits such as mango or pineapple to make a similar candy.
Make Ahead Tips
Papaya candy can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the papaya candy on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Papaya candy pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store papaya candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To reheat, place in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of papaya candy contains approximately 120 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of papaya candy contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Papaya candy is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.
Proteins
There is no significant amount of protein in papaya candy.
Vitamins and minerals
Papaya candy is a good source of vitamin C, with each serving providing about 20% of the recommended daily intake.
Alergens
Papaya candy does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.
Summary
Papaya candy is a sweet and fruity treat that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of vitamin C and is free from common allergens.
Summary
Papaya candy is a delicious and sweet treat that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the natural sweetness of papaya in a chewy and flavorful candy.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Papaya Candy. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the Philippines. My grandmother, Lola Elena, was the one who first introduced me to the art of cooking. She was a master in the kitchen, and I was always eager to learn from her.
One day, as I was helping Lola Elena prepare a feast for one of our village celebrations, she pulled out a wrinkled piece of paper from her apron pocket. It was a recipe she had learned from a friend who had traveled to a neighboring island. The recipe was for Papaya Candy, a sweet and tangy treat that was a favorite among the locals.
Lola Elena explained to me that making Papaya Candy was a labor of love. It required patience and precision, as the papayas had to be peeled, sliced, and dried before they could be transformed into the delicious candy. She showed me how to carefully remove the seeds from the papayas, and then slice them into thin strips. We then laid the papaya strips out on trays to dry in the sun, a process that took several days.
As the papayas dried, their natural sugars concentrated, giving them a rich and sweet flavor. Once they were fully dried, Lola Elena boiled the papaya strips in a simple syrup made from sugar and water. The papayas soaked up the syrup, becoming sticky and chewy. Finally, she rolled the candy in sugar to give it a sweet and crunchy coating.
The first time I tasted the Papaya Candy, I was amazed by its unique flavor. The sweetness of the sugar balanced perfectly with the tanginess of the papaya, creating a delightful combination of flavors. I knew that I had to learn how to make this candy for myself.
Over the years, I perfected the recipe for Papaya Candy, adding my own twist by incorporating flavors such as ginger and lemon. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all marveled at the delicious treat. It became a staple at our family gatherings and celebrations, a reminder of the culinary traditions passed down through generations.
As I grew older, I traveled to different parts of the world, collecting recipes and culinary techniques along the way. I learned how to make pasta from an Italian nonna, curry from a street vendor in Thailand, and dumplings from a chef in China. But no matter where I went, the recipe for Papaya Candy always held a special place in my heart.
Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of cinnamon and cloves, I can't help but smile at the memories of learning to make Papaya Candy with Lola Elena. The recipe may have traveled far and wide, but its roots will always remain in that small village in the Philippines, where a young girl first discovered the magic of cooking.
And so, as I continue to pass down the recipe for Papaya Candy to future generations, I hope that they too will experience the joy and satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. Cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about preserving the traditions and memories that make each dish truly special. And for me, Papaya Candy will always be a reminder of the love and wisdom that Lola Elena shared with me in the kitchen.
Categories
| Brazilian Recipes | Candy Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Fruit Recipes | Lemon Recipes | Papaya Recipes | Vegan Dessert Recipes | Vegan Recipes |