| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 1 hour 10 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 20g | 12g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 3g | 8g | 0.20g |
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In the radiant city of Miami, where I call my home – tropical flavors reign supreme. And among those, there’s one, often overlooked, that I’ve come to cherish: the humble quince. Used in many different dishes across cultures, it’s a gem to cook with but is, most notably, the star of the show in an unforgettable Quince Pudding.
The Affinity for Quince
So why quince? Often overshadowed by more popular fruits, quinces are unique in their flavor and texture. Hard and almost bitter when raw, they transform into a beautifully fragrant and scrumptious treat when cooked. A cousin to both apples and pears, quince shares some of their characteristics but holds its own identity in flavor and aroma. It’s this subtle yet punchy flavor profile that makes the Quince Pudding so delicious and desirable.
Tropical Twist to a Classic Dessert
In many ways, Quince Pudding is my tribute to the fusion of my Spanish and Cuban backgrounds. However, it’s not exactly a traditional dish in either of these cultures. Instead, consider it to be akin to a flan or a custard, but with a delectable quince twist. The blend of the custardy pudding with the lemony quince results in a dessert that’s pleasingly tangy, sweet and creamy, all in a single mouthful.
Nutritional Value of Quince
Quince isn’t just delicious – it’s also packed with benefits for your health. A great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, incorporating quince into your meals can support digestion, boost your immune system, and promote skin health. And considering that the Quince Pudding uses cream, milk, and eggs, it’s only fair to remark on the good source of calcium and protein these ingredients offer.
Recipes that Complement Quince Pudding
To enjoy your Quince Pudding to the fullest, consider pairing it with dishes that complement its sweet-tart flavor. A good paella, for example, makes a robust, savory partner to this dessert. If you’re more into tapas, my recipe for patatas bravas or croquetas will provide a delicious contrast to the fruit-focused pudding. And if you’re feeling particularly festive, why not savor your Quince Pudding with a refreshing Mojito or even a glass of Spanish cava – the bubbliness will be a wonderful contrast to the creamy pudding.
So there you have it, Quince Pudding, a recipe I hold near to my heart. It’s the bridge between my Cuban and Spanish roots, with the magic of my tropical hometown, Miami, sprinkled in a delicious, creamy dessert. Here’s to the humble quince – the unspoken hero of tropical fruits!
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What You’ll Need
- 4 large quinces
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a round cake pan or a deep baking dish with some of the unsalted butter and set aside.
Step Two
Cut quinces into quarters, remove the seeds and peel them. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar. Stir until sugar has dissolved, then add the quinces. Simmer for 30-35 minutes, until quinces are tender. Let them cool, then drain and puree the quinces in a blender or food processor.
Step Three
While the quinces are cooling, grate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and squeeze 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Melt the remaining unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat then mix in flour, stir until smooth.
Step Four
In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks, salt, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well blended. Gradually stir in the flour and butter mixture, continue stirring until smooth. Stir in the quince puree, lemon zest and lemon juice, then set aside.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the quince mixture until just combined. Okay to have small bits of egg white visible in the batter.
Step Six
Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan or baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step Seven
Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your quince pudding warm or chilled, it’s delicious either way!
