Candied sweet orange is a true gem of traditional Brazilian cuisine. Its unique flavor combines the sweetness of the syrup with the mild bitterness characteristic of the sweet orange, creating a delicious contrast.
Although not exclusively a Christmas treat, candied sweet orange is a notable presence on year-end holiday tables. It stands out for its versatility: it can be served as a dessert, paired with cheeses, or even as a filling for cakes and pies. The aroma of spices like cloves and cinnamon in the syrup enhances the sensory experience and evokes Christmas traditions.
In addition to being delicious, this sweet treat also has a practical side. The sweet orange, which is often underused in everyday cooking, finds a new purpose with this recipe. Its long shelf life, when properly stored in sterilized jars, makes it an excellent artisanal gift, perfect for surprising friends and family with something homemade and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 12 ripe sweet oranges
- 1.5 kg sugar
- 1.5 liters water
- Cloves to taste (optional)
- Cinnamon sticks to taste (optional)
Preparation:
- Prepare the Oranges: Wash the oranges thoroughly and cut them in half. Remove the seeds and scoop out some of the pulp (optional, to reduce bitterness). Then, make shallow cuts in the peel to allow the syrup to penetrate better.
- Remove the Bitterness: Place the oranges in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 15 minutes. Drain the water and repeat the process two more times, changing the water with each boil. This helps reduce the bitterness of the peel.
- Prepare the Syrup: In another pot, mix the sugar and water. Bring to medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the cloves and cinnamon, if desired.
- Cook the Oranges: Add the oranges to the syrup and cook over low heat for about 1 hour, or until the peel becomes tender and the syrup thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, let it cool, and transfer the sweet to a sterilized glass jar. Store in the refrigerator.
Additional Tips to Enhance Your Candied Sweet Orange Recipe:
- Efficiently remove bitterness: An essential step for the success of this recipe is to remove the excess bitterness from the sweet orange. To do this, boil the fruit in plenty of water, changing it at least three times during the process. This care will ensure the sweet is balanced, with the bitterness softened but still retaining the unique flavor of the fruit. Don’t skip this step to avoid an overly strong final taste.
- Add a touch of spices: To enrich the syrup’s flavor, you can enhance the recipe with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and even a pinch of nutmeg. These spices not only intensify the aroma of the sweet but also add sophistication that pairs perfectly with special occasions like Christmas. But be careful not to overdo it, as the flavor of the spices can easily overpower the orange.
- Properly choose and prepare the jars: If you plan to store the sweet or gift it, use sterilized glass jars to ensure better durability and hygiene. To sterilize, boil the jars and lids in water for about 10 minutes and let them dry completely before adding the sweet. Once stored, the sweet can last for months if kept in a cool, dry place.
- Pairing ideas when serving: This sweet is extremely versatile. Serve it alongside creamy cheeses, like mascarpone or cream cheese, to create a contrast between the sweet and salty. Another idea is to use it as a topping for ice creams or trifles, adding texture and flavor to the dish. For something innovative, try using it as a filling for homemade panetones, bringing a Brazilian artisanal touch to this tradition.
Conclusion:
Candied sweet orange is a classic dessert that brings back memories and delights the taste buds. Perfect to accompany desserts or served on its own, it combines the intense flavor of the fruit with the balanced sweetness of the syrup. Prepare it with care and enjoy this delight on any occasion!
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