Prickly Pear Syrup
Definition: Prickly pear syrup is a sweet and flavorful liquid made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.). It is commonly used as a topping for desserts, pancakes, waffles, or as an ingredient in cocktails and beverages.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups prickly pear fruit, peeled and diced
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Prepare the prickly pear fruit: Using gloves, carefully remove the spines and skin from the prickly pear fruit. Dice the fruit into small pieces.Cook the fruit: In a saucepan, combine the diced prickly pear fruit and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the fruit is soft.Strain the mixture: Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl and pour the cooked fruit mixture into it. Use a spoon or spatula to press down on the fruit to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining solids.Cook the syrup: Return the strained liquid to the saucepan and add the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the syrup thickens slightly.Store the syrup: Once the syrup has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. Transfer the syrup to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.See also How to store avocados to keep them fresh?
Note: Prickly pear syrup can be used in various culinary applications, such as drizzling it over ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt. It can also be used as a sweetener in cocktails, lemonades, or iced teas. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy the unique flavor of prickly pear syrup!
Keywords: prickly, mixture, liquid, pancakes, cocktails, granulated, remove, saucepan, reduce