Sweet Nothings from Goa: Let’s Make Some Perad, Yaar!
Namaste and good tidings to all my favourite foodies! Kem cho? Kai kasa kai? (How are you?) Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, ready to whisk you away on another delicious adventure. Today, we’re ditching the spice (just for a bit!) and diving headfirst into the sweet, creamy world of Perad!
Now, for my Goan friends and those who know Goa well, Perad needs no introduction. It’s like a warm hug from your grandmother, a sweet memory wrapped in a delightful, milky package. But for the uninitiated, let me tell you, this is a treat you need in your life!
Perad, also known as Guava Cheese, is a popular sweet made in Goa, India. It is made from guava fruit, sugar, and lemon.
When do we eat this delightful treat?
Think Christmas celebrations, festive occasions, or simply when you crave something sweet and comforting during the cool winter months. Perad is a staple in many Goan homes, especially around Christmas time. It’s a customary gift, a sweet offering to friends and family, and a must-have on any Goan dessert platter.
A Little History Lesson (Don’t worry, it’s tasty!)
Perad’s story is a simple one. Guavas, those fragrant, pear-shaped fruits, were brought to India by the Portuguese. Goan cooks, always clever and resourceful, decided to transform this fruit into something truly special. And thus, Perad was born! It’s a testament to the beautiful fusion of cultures that makes Goan cuisine so unique and delicious.
Alright, enough chit-chat! Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
What you’ll need (The सामान – Saamaan):
- 1 kg Ripe Guavas (अमरूद – Amrood) – Choose the pink ones for a beautiful color!
- 500 grams Granulated Sugar (चीनी – Cheeni) – Adjust to your liking.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (नींबू का रस – Nimbu ka ras) – For that perfect tang!
- 1 tablespoon Ghee (घी) – For greasing the pan.
- 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom powder (इलायची पाउडर – Elaichi powder) – Optional, but adds a lovely aroma.
Let’s Make Some Magic (The विधि – Vidhi):
- Guava Prep: Wash the guavas thoroughly. Cut them into smaller pieces and remove the seeds. Don’t worry about being perfect; a few seeds won’t hurt.
- Blend Away: Pop the guava pieces into a blender and blend until you have a smooth, beautiful puree.
- Strain it Out: Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining seeds or lumps. This will give you a super smooth Perad.
- Sweeten the Deal: In a heavy-bottomed pan (non-stick is your friend!), combine the guava puree and sugar.
- Cook it Down: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. This is important! We don’t want it to stick and burn.
- Patience is Key: The mixture will start to thicken. Keep stirring! It will take about 45-60 minutes until it reaches a thick, fudge-like consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts leaving the sides of the pan.
- Lemon Zest: Stir in the lemon juice and cardamom powder (if using).
- Set it Up: Grease a baking pan or tray with ghee. Pour the Perad mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Cool Down: Let it cool completely at room temperature. This will take several hours.
- Cut and Enjoy: Once cooled and set, cut the Perad into squares or diamonds. Serve and enjoy!
Chef Curry’s Tips for Super Perad:
- Ripe Guavas are Key: The riper the guavas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Perad will be.
- Constant Stirring: Seriously, don’t skip this step! It prevents burning and ensures a smooth, even texture.
- Patience, My Friend: Perad takes time. Don’t rush the cooking process. Let it thicken slowly and steadily.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the mixture as it cooks and adjust the sugar to your liking.
- Storage: Store Perad in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer.
Perad: Your Way!
- Stovetop (The Classic): Follow the recipe above using a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Pressure Cooker (For the Impatient): Cook the guava puree and sugar mixture in a pressure cooker for 2 whistles on medium heat. Release the pressure naturally and then cook down the mixture in a pan until it thickens. Be very careful, as the mixture can splatter.
- Microwave (Quick Fix): Microwave the guava puree and sugar mixture in a microwave-safe bowl in 5-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it thickens.
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot (Set it and Forget it): Cook the guava puree and sugar mixture on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 150-200
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Fat: 1-2g
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy Perad on its own as a sweet treat.
- Serve it with tea or coffee.
- Add it to a cheese board for a sweet and savory combination.
- Use it as a filling for pastries or cakes.
- Gift it to your friends and family!
Now, it’s your turn!
Go on, give this delightful Perad recipe a try. It’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely divine. Share your creations with your loved ones, and let them experience the sweet magic of Goa!
Happy Cooking, my friends! Until next time, keep those pots simmering and those smiles shining!
- Chef Curry Do’pyaza