DISH NAME : PERAD (GUAVA CHEESE)

Preparation Time : 15 minutes

Cooking Time : 2 hours

Description

Perad also known as Guava cheese is made with Guava fruit and is a speciality of Goa. It is usually made during christmas season.

Note

1) Usually Perad or Guava cheese is made with pink Guava, but i made with the usual white guava and hence added a drop of pink color. Adding color is entirely optional.
2) Very ripe guavas are used to make perad.
3) 1.5 kg. of Guava gave me 4 cups of pulp. Usually the measurement of sugar is = no. of cups of pulp minus 1 cup.
4) I kept it overnight in the fridge before cutting.
5) Kept in an airtight container in the fridge for about a month.

Method

1) Combine the guava with 1 cup of water in a pressure cooker and pressure cook for 1 whistle.
2) Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid, drain well and cool the cooked guava completely.
3) Then blend the cooked guava in a mixer and blend till smooth.
4) Strain the pulp.
5) Cook the pulp in a pan, preferably non-stick pan, on medium flame. After it is cooked well, add sugar and ghee/clarified butter. Continue cooking till sugar is melted.
6) Add lime juice. continue cooking till the whole mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan.
7)Then transfer the mixture into a greased rectangle tray about 10inch by 6 inch.
8) Keep to cool for about 6 hours and cut into equal pieces using a sharp knife.

Serving Suggestions

Serve, preferably at room temperature.