| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 50 mins – 1 hour | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 18g | 11g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 26g | 4g | 5g | 0.2g |
Being from the humble abode of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, a day out in the wilderness, of course, calls for a good meal. The kitchen isn’t just a place for me to test out new recipes, it’s where I find joy in the small things, like a perfectly fermented Guava Pastry.
Guava Pastry: A Taste of the Tropics Among the Pines
Choosing recipes that infuse flavors from different food cultures with ingredients right off of the Colorado landscape is a thrill. But every now and then, the call of something completely different is irrefutable. And this Guava Pastry recipe satiates just that sort of craving.
This recipe utilizes the unmistakeable sweetness of guava fruit, which hails from tropical climates, mixing it with good old baking staples– flour, butter, and sugar. Guava’s exotic flavor, paired with the comfort of a fresh-baked pastry makes this treat a distinctive delight. It’s a lovely combination that brings a slice of tropical sweetness right into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Anyone who’s tried Tropical Fruit Tart might find this dessert equally appealing.
The Wholesomeness of Ingredients: Guava and Happiness!
Doesn’t just the sound of Guava Pastry make you feel homey and huggled, swaddled in sugary warmness? That’s exactly how this recipe makes me feel. But it’s not just the taste that steals the show, the health benefits are the silent player. Guavas, the star of this show, are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and carry a lower glycemic load, making them a great option for those seeking a slightly healthier dessert. Plus, cinnamon and nutmeg offer their own set of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and aids in digestion respectively.
While I’m used to crafting meals made of game meats and trout dishes that my partner Gordon and I love, this Guava Pastry is a delightful change of pace. It works amazingly as an after-dinner dessert paired with a good cup of coffee, or even as a delightful accompaniment for afternoon tea. And if you’re into brunch, having these pastries as part of your weekend spread would certainly elevate the experience.
This Guava Pastry, with its tropical influence and wholesome ingredients, is truly emblematic of my love of blending distinct tastes from around the world with the comforting familiarity of home.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 3 tablespoons ice water
- 4 large guavas, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, diced
Method
Step One
Start by combining the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of white sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Once these dry ingredients are well mixed, add in the 1/2 cup of chilled and diced unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step Two
Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of ice water over the flour and butter mixture. Toss the mixture with a fork until it starts to hold together. If needed, add additional water a teaspoon at a time. Once the dough begins to stick together, press it into a ball, then flatten it into a disc. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step Three
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Lay the dough into the plate and trim any overhang.
Step Four
In a bowl, toss the sliced 4 large guavas with 1 cup of white sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until the guavas are well coated. Pour the guava mixture into the prepared pie crust and dot with 1 tablespoon of diced unsalted butter.
Step Five
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the guava filling is bubbling. Allow the guava pastry to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!
