| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 1 hr 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 167 | 0g | 0g | 43g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 38g | 2g | 1g | 0.01g |
One of the many reasons I am so passionate about the Quince Paste recipe is because it captures a sense of playful adventure; the same sense of adventure that led me, a Seattle native with Japanese roots, to my culinary journey. While not directly related to my sushi recipes or the seafood dishes that have come to define my culinary style, they share a creative spirit. This sweet, tart delicacy is a delightful twist on traditional fruit preserves, merging the humble quince’s own unique taste with a simple yet elegant recipe. The result? A delightful gourmet experience!
Quince Paste: A Medley of Flavors and Benefits
Healthy choices form the cornerstone of my cooking philosophy, and Quince Paste is no exception. Beyond the tantalizing taste lies a plethora of health benefits. Quince carries a healthy dose of fiber and vitamin C, brilliant for heart health and boosting immunity. It’s partially why it’s so popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Yet I feel the real charm of this jam-like spread lies in its versatility, also evident in my sushi rolls: it does wonderfully on a cheese platter, spread on a slice of crusty bread, or even adding that twist in baking.
A Glimpse into a Delicious Friendship: Quince Paste and Cheese
This fruit paste shows remarkable similarities to Spain’s membrillo, and can be a delightful pairing with Manchego cheese, echoing the famed combination. Quince Paste also complement a variety of other cheeses and can elevate a charcuterie board to new gastronomic heights.
In my cooking, like in my life, I strive to create links, to bridge passions, to blend heritage. And in this case, even if Quince Paste is not a traditional Japanese delicacy or a common find in the wet markets of Seattle, it is about inviting a little novelty to your kitchen, just like when I invite customers to discover a less-known sushi roll.
What You’ll Need
- 4 quinces (approximately 2 lbs in total)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Method
Step One
Begin by washing the quinces thoroughly. Use a sharp kitchen knife to cut them into quarters. Remove the seeds and core.
Step Two
Place the quince pieces in a large pot. Add to this two cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Step Three
Lower the heat, cover the pot and let the quinces simmer for about 45 minutes, or until they are soft.
Step Four
Use a blender or a food processor to puree the cooked quinces until they have a smooth texture.
Step Five
Return the pureed quinces to the pot. Add in two cups of sugar and stir together until it’s well combined.
Step Six
Add one tablespoon of lemon juice to the quince and sugar mixture. Stir again.
Step Seven
Put the pot back on the stove and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the quince paste thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
Step Eight
Transfer the mixture to a lined baking dish and let it cool. When the quince paste has completely cooled down, you can cut it into squares or desired shapes. These can be served as a dessert or used as an ingredient in various recipes.
