| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 12g | 6g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 3g | 13g | 0.2g |
Why I Love Colombian Brevas con Queso
Experiencing a dish for the first time has always been one of the things I love the most about cooking and food in general – such was my experience with the delightful and intriguing Colombian recipe called Brevas con Queso. It’s incredible how the sweetness of the figs, combined with the melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella and tangy lime, all come together in this culinary symphony.
An Unforgettable Encounter with Exotic Flavors
I was originally inspired to try out Brevas con Queso by well-known Colombian chef, Jaime Duarte, whose journey from his home country to the international culinary scene has been truly inspiring. His passion for using fresh, locally sourced ingredients aligns with my own California upbringing, which melds seamlessly with my Indian heritage to produce unique fusion dishes.
At the same time, Brevas con Queso is reminiscent of the sweet and savory flavors found in the classic Gujarati dish, khandvi. Both dishes balance out tang and sweetness perfectly, and could easily be served together for a delightful dinner spread.
Melding of Cultures and Tastes
Being brought up in a multicultural environment has shaped my culinary perspective in more ways than one. In every recipe preparation, be it a traditional-serving from my Gujarati roots or an all-American dish from my West Coast background, my aim is always bridging between flavors that are unique to both cultures. This ideology materializes beautifully in the Brevas con Queso recipe.
The fusion of tropical fruits with a rich dairy product such as mozzarella is a testament to the seamless melding of flavors that are characteristic of Caribbean cuisine. The guava paste adds an inimitable layer of sweetness, which locates this recipe comfortably in my repertory of fusion-rich dishes.
All in all, Brevas con Queso is more than just a Colombian dish to me. It symbolizes the commingling of diverse cultures, daring flavors, and the thrill of culinary experimentation. So whether you’re hosting a family get-together or just seeking simple comfort food for the evening, this dish never fails to work its charm. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 12 fresh figs (brevas)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 cups water
- 12 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 6 tablespoons guava paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 6 tablespoons sweet condensed milk
Method
Step One
Wash the fresh figs under cold running water, carefully cut off the stems, and make a small cross-shaped incision at the top of each fig.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, bring the water and granulated sugar to a boil, stirring frequently until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step Three
Add the figs to the boiling water, lower the heat, and let them simmer for about 10 minutes or until they start turning soft. Once done, remove the figs from the heat and let them cool in the syrup.
Step Four
Once the figs are cool, delicately open each one at the cross-shaped incision and insert a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, mix together the guava paste, lime juice, and sweet condensed milk until smooth. This will be used as a sauce, which can be drizzled over the figs, or provided on the side for dipping.
Step Six
Serve the figs filled with mozzarella cheese, drizzled with the guava sauce, and enjoy a delicious Brevas con Queso!
