How to Make Membrillo (Quince Paste)

We could say that membrillo (in English quince paste) paired with Manchego cheese is the national snack of Spain. I didn’t like it too much as a kid but now you have to stop me from eating the whole thing. It’s funny how your likes and dislikes regarding food change as you grow older, right?
I usually buy quince paste from the store and I didn’t know you could make it at home. It’s so easy, you’ll see. It all started when one of my dad’s colleagues gave him some quinces. He also gave us the recipe for dulce de membrillo so we gave it a try.

Today I’m going to give you our recipe to make homemade membrillo from scratch using fresh quince. I’m going to guide you step by step to make this delicious treat that will surely become a favorite in your recipe box. Finally, we are going to add it to the perfect cheese platter.

Quinces are a hard fruit that looks like a cross between a pear and an apple. They can’t be eaten raw, only cooked. You can make paste, jam or jelly with them. They give off a wonderful floral aroma. Like apples and pears, they’re in season during the fall.

You only need a few things to make your own membrillo. Quince, of course, a lemon, some sugar … and time. Quince paste isn’t hard to make, but it takes several hours and therefore patience.

INGREDIENTS

2 & 1/2 kg quinces
2 kg white sugar
1 lemon

DIRECTIONS

• Wash quinces thoroughly (they are covered in some kind of fuzz) and cut in pieces.
• Place the quince pieces in a large pan, then cover with the sugar and the juice of one lemon.
• Leave aside overnight. In the morning the sugar will have dissolved.
• Cook at low heat and stir often for about two hours until the quince pieces are tender and the spoon stands on its own.
• Blend the fruit until very smooth.
• Transfer to a mold.
• To serve, slice the paste into thin rectangles.
• Keep refrigerated, it lasts for months in the fridge.

If you need more ideas for the holidays, I’ve got you covered. I suggest you read how to host a tapas party, check out this Greek yogurt fruit tart and this Christmas loaf cake.

Have you ever tried quince paste? What snacks are you including in your Christimas / New Year’s menu?
xo Cristina