From Guava Trees to Delicious Treats: Making Guava Paste at Home

Guavas, those vibrant fruits abundant throughout East Africa, hold a sweet secret: they can be transformed into a delectable paste that’s both delicious and versatile. While guava paste might be more commonly associated with Latin America and the Caribbean, its journey across continents brings a unique opportunity to adapt and enjoy this treat using East African ingredients and culinary traditions. Join us as we explore the history, uses, and a simple recipe to create your own homemade guava paste right in your East African kitchen.

What Exactly is Guava Paste?

Guava paste, also known as goiabada in Portuguese and pasta de guayaba in Spanish, is a culinary gem that transcends geographical boundaries. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this paste so special:

• A Concentrated Essence of Guava: Guava paste is essentially a thick, concentrated jam-like paste made by slowly cooking down a purée of guava fruit and sugar. The result is a vibrant, flavourful treat that captures the essence of the fruit.
• A Culinary Chameleon: While often enjoyed on its own, guava paste’s versatility shines through in both sweet and savoury applications. It can be a star ingredient in desserts, a surprising addition to savoury dishes, or simply a delicious spread.
• A Culinary Journey Across Continents: The history of guava paste is fascinating. It started as a substitute for quince marmalade but quickly gained popularity in its own right. The Portuguese, with their fondness for this sweet treat, introduced it to their colonies around the world, including Goa, India. This global journey highlights how culinary traditions can evolve and adapt across different cultures.

Exploring the Versatile Uses of Guava Paste

Guava paste’s remarkable versatility allows it to seamlessly transition from sweet to savoury applications, adding a touch of unique flavour to various dishes. Here are some ways you can incorporate guava paste into your East African culinary creations:

• The Classic “Romeo and Juliet” Pairing: In Brazil, guava paste is famously paired with Minas cheese, a soft, salty cheese, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and salty. While Minas cheese might not be readily available in East Africa, you can explore local cheese varieties like feta or cream cheese for a similar flavour profile.
• Simple and Delicious Spreads: For a quick and satisfying treat, spread guava paste on toast or crackers. You can also enjoy it with East African staples like chapati or mandazi. The spreadable consistency and concentrated guava flavour make it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.
• Elevate Your Baked Goods with a Guava Twist: Guava paste’s thick, jam-like consistency makes it an excellent filling for a variety of baked goods:
  • Mandazi with a Guava Surprise: Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy mandazi with a centre of sweet guava paste. This East African twist on a classic doughnut is sure to be a hit.
  • Chapati Roll-Ups: Spread a thin layer of guava paste on a chapati and roll it up for a simple yet flavourful treat. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom for an added layer of warmth.
  • Guava-Filled Cakes and Muffins: Guava paste can be incorporated into cake and muffin batters as a filling or a swirl. Its unique flavour will add a delightful twist to traditional recipes.
• A Touch of Sweetness to Savoury Dishes: The sweetness of guava paste can surprisingly complement savoury dishes, adding complexity and depth:
  • Glazes for Roasted Meats: Guava paste can be used to create a glaze for roasted chicken, beef, or goat. The sweetness will caramelise beautifully, adding a rich flavour and a glossy finish.
  • Fruit Chutneys and Relishes: Incorporate guava paste into your favourite fruit chutney or relish recipes. Its sweetness will balance the tanginess and spiciness, creating a unique flavour profile.
  • Savoury Sauces: Experiment with adding a touch of guava paste to tomato-based sauces or creamy coconut-based sauces. The sweetness will add a subtle depth and complexity to your stews, curries, or marinades.

Crafting Homemade Guava Paste: A Step-by-Step Guide

While ready-made guava paste is available in some supermarkets, there’s a special satisfaction in creating it from scratch in your own kitchen. The process is relatively straightforward, requiring patience and attention. Here’s a detailed recipe using readily available East African ingredients and metric measurements:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg fresh, ripe guavas (sourced from your local market or garden)
• 946-1183 ml sugar (unrefined sugar from East African producers is recommended for a richer flavour; adjust quantity to your preference)
• 355 ml water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Guavas: Wash the guavas thoroughly and cut them in half. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds and place them in a bowl.
2. Extract the Pulp: Pour 237 ml of water over the seeds and pulp, allowing them to soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps soften the pulp around the seeds. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, ensuring you collect as much pulp as possible while discarding the seeds.
3. Soften the Fruit: Place the cut guavas (with the skin) in a thick-bottomed pan with the remaining 118 ml of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the fruit is very soft.
4. Combine and Blend: Add the strained pulp to the pan with the softened guava. Once thoroughly softened, transfer the mixture (including the pulp) to a blender and purée until smooth.
5. Cook the Paste: Measure the purée and pour it back into the pan. Add an equal volume of sugar (946-1183 ml) and stir well. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching, until the mixture reduces by about half. This will take about an hour. The paste will thicken and leave a noticeable layer on the spoon when it’s ready.
6. Cool and Store: Remove the paste from the heat and beat it with the wooden spoon for a few minutes. This helps to further thicken the paste and create a smooth texture. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Once cool, transfer your homemade guava paste into sterilised jars for storage.

Tips and Variations for an East African Twist

• Sourcing Authentic Ingredients: East Africa boasts a rich agricultural landscape. Look for fresh, ripe guavas at local markets, supporting regional farmers. For a deeper flavour profile, explore unrefined sugar options from local producers. These sugars often carry subtle flavour notes unique to the region.
• Adjusting Sweetness: While the recipe suggests equal parts fruit and sugar, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Consider reducing the sugar by 237 to 591 ml if you prefer a less sweet paste. You can also experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or agave nectar, keeping in mind that these substitutions may alter the texture and flavour slightly.
• Adding Pectin: If you desire a firmer, more jelly-like consistency for your guava paste, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of pectin during the cooking process. While pectin is not commonly used in traditional East African cooking, it can help achieve a different texture if desired.

Pairing Your Guava Paste: Embracing East African Flavours

Guava paste’s global journey opens up a world of pairing possibilities. While it has its roots in Latin America, don’t hesitate to explore combinations inspired by East African cuisine.

• East African Cheese Pairings: While Minas cheese is the traditional pairing in Brazil, you can explore local East African cheeses for a unique twist. Look for cheeses with varying levels of saltiness and textures to create a delightful contrast with the sweet guava paste.
• Embrace the World of Spices: East African cuisine is known for its aromatic and flavourful spices. Enhance your guava paste pairings with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, or ginger. A sprinkle of these spices can transform a simple pairing into a taste sensation.
• Fresh Fruit Pairings: The tropical climate of East Africa produces a bounty of delicious fruits. Pair your guava paste with slices of mango, pineapple, passion fruit, or berries for a refreshing and vibrant combination.
• Savoury Bites: Guava paste’s sweetness can be used to create a delicious contrast in savoury bites. Consider spreading it on small squares of roasted sweet potato or pairing it with grilled halloumi cheese for a unique appetiser.

Remember, this exploration of guava paste in East Africa is about adapting a beloved treat to a new context. Embrace the opportunity to learn about East African ingredients and culinary traditions, and let your creativity shine as you experiment with unique flavour combinations.