How to make the perfect dulce de lechoza: tips and tricks
Desserts, Bienmesabe Venezolano, Quesillo Venezolano, Torta de Pan, Conserva de Coco, Venezuelan Coconut Majarete
As a professional chef and expert in Venezuelan desserts, I am pleased to share with you my experience in preparing one of the most popular and delicious desserts in my country: dulce de lechoza. Throughout my years of training and experience in the kitchen, I have perfected my technique to offer you a dulce de lechoza that is not only authentic, but also irresistible. In this article I will share with you all my secrets and tips so you can enjoy this delicacy in the comfort of your own home, so don't miss a single detail and read on to discover how to make the best dulce de lechoza!
- What is dulce de lechoza and why is it so popular in Venezuela?
- Ingredients and utensils needed to prepare
- Preparation step by step
- Receta de Dulce de Lechoza - quearepas.com
- Tips and tricks to achieve the perfect lechoza candy
- How to serve and enjoy at home
- Variants and combinations of dulce de lechoza
-
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does dulce de lechoza last in the refrigerator?
- Can I use ripe lechoza to make dulce de lechoza?
- Is it necessary to add lemon or orange to the preparation of dulce de lechoza?
- Can I use other types of spices to make dulce de lechoza?
- Is it necessary to strain the dulce de lechoza mixture?
- Can I use another type of sugar to make dulce de lechoza?
What is dulce de lechoza and why is it so popular in Venezuela?
Dulce de lechoza is a traditional Venezuelan dessert made from green papaya or lechoza, sugar and spices. This delicious preparation is very popular in Venezuela for its sweet and mild flavor, as well as for its versatility in the kitchen, since it can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack or even as an accompaniment to some main dishes. In addition, dulce de lechoza is very easy to make and requires simple and accessible ingredients, which makes it an economical and practical option for any occasion.
In Venezuela, dulce de lechoza is an important part of the gastronomy and can be found almost everywhere, from homes to restaurants and street food stalls. Its popularity also extends to other Latin American countries, where it has become a highly appreciated delicacy for its flavor and cultural value.
Ingredients and utensils needed to prepare
To prepare the candy you will need the following ingredients:
- medium-large green lechoza (green papaya) (about 1.5 kg)
- 1/2 kg of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate
- 3 cloves
- 1 cup of water
In addition, you will need some utensils for the preparation of the candy, such as:
- A vegetable peeler
- A large sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A large, deep pot
- A wooden spoon
- A strainer
It is important to note that some ingredients and utensils may vary according to the recipe and personal preferences. For example, some people prefer to add lemon or orange to the preparation to give a citric touch to the candy, while others use panela instead of sugar to obtain a more intense flavor.
As for utensils, it is advisable to use a copper or stainless steel pot to prevent the candy from burning or acquiring unwanted flavors. With these ingredients and utensils, you are ready to start preparing your own dulce de lechoza and surprise your loved ones with this delicious Venezuelan dessert.
Preparation step by step
Now comes the most exciting part! Here is the step-by-step to prepare a delicious lechoza sweet:
- Peel and cut the lechoza
- Prepare the syrup
- Cook the lechoza in the syrup
- Wait for it to thicken
- Remove from heat and strain
- Serve and enjoy
And that's it! With these simple steps you can prepare a delicious dulce de lechoza that will surely surprise your guests and allow you to enjoy a traditional Venezuelan dessert in the comfort of your home. Remember that the key to obtain a perfect sweet is to cook it over low heat and stir constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning. I leave you the step by step in detail and with the video courtesy of Oriannys Rojas and her youtube channel.
Receta de Dulce de Lechoza - quearepas.com
Ingredients
- 1 unit Lechoza green medium
- 1/2 Kg Sugar
- 1 Unit Scent Nails
- 1 Unit Water - enough to cover the lechoza
- 2 tbsp Sodium Bicarbonate
Instructions
- Peel and cut the lechoza: first, wash the lechoza well and peel it with a vegetable peeler. Then, cut it in half, remove the seeds and cut it into cubes or small strips.
- Now place the lechoza in a bowl with enough water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Let stand for about 3 hours, this will help the candy to have more consistency.
- Wash the lechoza again. Place a pot over medium-high heat and add all the ingredients, including the lechoza. Let the mixture boil over medium-low heat for about 3 hours, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking or burning.
- Wait for it to thicken: the dulce de lechoza is ready when the syrup has thickened to a honey-like consistency. If you want a thicker dulce de lechoza, you can let it cook longer.
- Remove from the heat and strain: once the dulce de lechoza is ready, remove from the heat and let it cool a little. Then, strain the mixture to remove the cloves.
- Serve and enjoy: you can serve the dulce de lechoza hot or cold, alone or with white cheese or cream. You can also decorate it with mint leaves or lemon zest to give it a fresh and aromatic touch.
Video
Notes
Nutritional Composition
Tips and tricks to achieve the perfect lechoza candy
Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect dulce:
- Use fresh green lechoza: to obtain a quality lechoza sweet, it is important to use fresh, good quality green lechoza. Look for lechoza that is firm, without blemishes or dents, and avoid those that are overripe or soft.
- Cut the lechoza into small strips: so that the lechoza cooks evenly and absorbs the syrup well, it is advisable to cut it into small, thin strips.
- Cook over low heat: the sweet requires time and patience to obtain a perfect consistency. Therefore, it is important to cook it over low heat for at least two hours, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- Add spices to taste: cinnamon and cloves are the most common spices in the preparation of the candy, but you can adjust the amount and type of spices according to your personal preferences. If you like citrus flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the mixture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar: the amount of sugar in the recipe can vary according to your tastes and preferences. If you prefer a milder sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar, while if you prefer a more intense sweetness, you can increase it.
- Strain the mixture: at the end of cooking, it is important to strain the mixture to remove the cloves and cinnamon and obtain a smoother and more homogeneous sweet.
- Store in an airtight container: the candy keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. To enjoy it again, just heat it over low heat in a pot or in the microwave.
How to serve and enjoy at home
Dulce de lechoza is a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to enjoy it at home:
- On its own: dulce de lechoza is delicious on its own, so you can serve it as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack.
- With white cheese: one of the most popular combinations in Venezuela is dulce de lechoza with white cheese. Serve dulce de lechoza hot or cold with some fresh white cheese for a sweet and salty combination that you will love.
- With cream: if you prefer a smoother and creamier combination, you can serve the dulce with whipped cream or whipped cream.
- In a cake: dulce de lechoza is a perfect ingredient to use in the preparation of cakes and pies. Add a layer of dulce de lechoza between layers of sponge cake and decorate with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
- With ice cream: for an even more refreshing combination, serve dulce de lechoza with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor.
Variants and combinations of dulce de lechoza
Dulce de lechoza is a traditional Venezuelan dessert that admits several variations and combinations with other ingredients. Here are some options so you can experiment and enjoy different flavors:
- Dulce de lechoza with lemon: add a little lemon zest or a few drops of lemon juice to the preparation of dulce de lechoza to give it a citric and refreshing touch.
- Dulce de lechoza with panela: instead of using sugar, you can use panela to obtain a more intense flavor and a denser texture.
- Dulce de lechoza with coconut: add some grated coconut to the preparation of dulce de lechoza for a sweet and tropical combination.
- Dulce de lechoza with chocolate: serve the dulce de lechoza with some melted chocolate or a scoop of chocolate ice cream for an irresistible combination.
- Dulce de lechoza with cream cheese: add a little cream cheese to the dulce de lechoza mixture for a creamier and smoother texture.
- Dulce de lechoza with fresh fruits: serve dulce de lechoza with fresh fruits such as strawberries, kiwi or mango for a sweet and refreshing combination.
These are just a few options, and you can combine dulce de lechoza with other ingredients that you like to obtain unique and delicious flavors and textures. Dare to experiment and enjoy this Venezuelan delicacy!
Enjoy more Venezuelan desserts that you will love. Also remember the delicious arepas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does dulce de lechoza last in the refrigerator?
The candy can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. It is recommended to consume it within a week to preserve its flavor and texture.
Can I use ripe lechoza to make dulce de lechoza?
No, to make the sweet it is necessary to use green lechoza. Ripe lechoza is sweeter and softer, and does not have the same texture as green lechoza for the preparation of this dessert.
Is it necessary to add lemon or orange to the preparation of dulce de lechoza?
No, adding lemon or orange is optional and depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer to add these fruits to give a citric touch to the candy.
Can I use other types of spices to make dulce de lechoza?
Yes, you can use other spices such as vanilla, ginger or star anise to give a different flavor to the sweet.
Is it necessary to strain the dulce de lechoza mixture?
Yes, it is advisable to strain the candy mixture to remove the cloves and cinnamon and obtain a smoother and more homogeneous texture.
Can I use another type of sugar to make dulce de lechoza?
Yes, you can use panela or brown sugar to give a more intense flavor and a denser texture to the candy.
If you want to know other articles similar to How to make the perfect dulce de lechoza: tips and tricks you can visit the category Desserts.
