Guava paste is a delicious and versatile ingredient that has become a staple in many kitchens around the world. This sweet, tropical treat is made by cooking guava fruit with sugar, resulting in a smooth, thick paste that can be used in a variety of both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, using it in pastries, or pairing it with cheese, homemade guava paste is a fantastic way to preserve the vibrant flavor of guava.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the guava paste recipe step-by-step, from choosing the best guavas to tips on how to store and use your homemade guava paste.
Ingredients for Homemade Guava Paste
To make this guava paste recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients, but each one is important to achieving the perfect consistency and flavor.
- 5 lb. (2.3 kg) fresh guavas (preferably pink-fleshed for the sweetest, most vibrant paste)
- 2 cups water
- 1 large lemon (juiced and zested)
- 5 cups sugar
These simple ingredients will give you a rich and luscious guava paste that can be stored for months.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Guava Paste
1. Prepare the Guavas
Start by selecting the ripest guavas you can find. The ripeness of the guavas will directly impact the flavor and texture of the paste. Look for guavas that are slightly soft when gently squeezed and give off a fragrant aroma.
Once you have your guavas, rinse and trim the ends of the fruit. Cut the guavas into large chunks. There’s no need to worry about removing the seeds at this stage, as we’ll take care of that later.
2. Cook the Guavas
Next, place the guava chunks into a large pot and add the 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the guavas cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the guavas to become soft and tender, to the point where they easily break apart when pressed against the side of the pot.
3. Blend and Strain the Mixture
Once the guavas have cooked down and are nice and tender, it’s time to blend them into a smooth puree. You can do this using a blender, but be careful—if the mixture is still hot, make sure to blend in batches and use caution to avoid splashes. Alternatively, you can let the mixture cool slightly before blending.
After blending, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve or food mill to remove the seeds. You should be left with a smooth guava puree that is free of seeds. This step is essential for achieving the right texture for the guava paste.
4. Add Lemon and Sugar
Return the guava puree to the pot. Add the juice and zest of one large lemon, which will brighten the flavor and help balance the sweetness of the paste.
Next, begin adding the 5 cups of sugar, one cup at a time. It’s important to stir the mixture constantly as you add the sugar to ensure it dissolves completely and is evenly distributed throughout the puree. Continue stirring until all of the sugar is incorporated.
5. Cook the Puree
Once the sugar is fully incorporated, continue cooking the guava puree over medium heat. You’ll need to stir constantly during this stage to prevent the mixture from scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Cook the mixture for 35-40 minutes, or until it has thickened considerably. The guava paste is ready when you can scrape a line across the bottom of the pot with your spoon and it doesn’t immediately fill in.
6. Cool and Set the Paste
Once the guava paste has reached the desired consistency, pour it into a parchment-lined baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the paste evenly across the pan. Let the paste cool at room temperature for a few hours, then transfer the pan to the refrigerator and let it chill overnight.
After the paste has fully set, you can turn it out of the pan and cut it into the portion sizes you prefer. Wrap each piece in parchment paper and store them in an airtight container.
How to Store Homemade Guava Paste
Guava paste is a fantastic ingredient to keep on hand because it stores incredibly well. To preserve its flavor and texture, store the paste in the refrigerator. Wrapped in parchment paper and placed in an airtight container, your homemade guava paste will last for up to 3 months.
For longer storage, you can freeze guava paste. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Creative Ways to Use Guava Paste
Guava paste is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some of our favorite ways to use this tropical delight:
1. Pair it with Cheese
One of the simplest yet most delicious ways to enjoy guava paste is to pair it with cheese. The sweetness of the guava paste complements the saltiness of cheeses like Manchego, Brie, or Cream Cheese. Simply slice the paste and serve it alongside your favorite cheese for an instant appetizer or snack.
2. Bake it into Pastries
Guava paste is a popular ingredient in many Latin American and Caribbean pastries. Try using it in guava pastelitos, a flaky puff pastry filled with guava paste, or add it to empanadas for a sweet twist. You can also use guava paste as a filling for cookies, cakes, or turnovers.
3. Add it to Savory Dishes
Guava paste isn’t just for sweets! Its sweet-tangy flavor makes it an excellent glaze for grilled meats like pork or chicken. You can also melt it down and mix it into a dressing for roasted vegetables or drizzle it over roasted root vegetables for a touch of sweetness.
4. Make a Sandwich Spread
Looking to add a unique twist to your sandwiches? Try adding a thin slice of guava paste to a grilled cheese or turkey sandwich. The sweetness of the guava will balance beautifully with the salty, savory ingredients.
Making homemade guava paste is a rewarding process that allows you to capture the essence of tropical guava in a long-lasting, versatile form. Whether you’re using it in sweet or savory dishes, guava paste is a delicious way to add a burst of fruity flavor to your meals.
Once you’ve made your own guava paste, the possibilities for using it are endless. With just a few simple ingredients and some time in the kitchen, you’ll have a pantry staple that can elevate everything from appetizers to desserts. So why not try making guava paste at home? We’re confident it’ll become one of your go-to ingredients in no time!
