Sweet Candied Papaya(Cape Verde)

Submitted by Sharon123

"Also called Dulce de Papaya, this is a traditional Cape Verdean recipe for a classic dessert of papaya candied in spiced syrup. The Cape Verde islands consist of two small (volcanic in origin) archipelagos, about 400 miles off the western coast of Africa. These once uninhabited islands were first discovered by the ancient Phoenicians, then later colonized by the Portuguese."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 6
• Yields: 1 batch

ingredients

• 2 lbs almost ripe papayas
• 1 lb sugar
• 4 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups water
• 1 lemon, grated zest

directions

1. Peel the papaya, remove the seeds and cut the flesh either into strips or into 1" cubes.
2. Combine the water and sugar in a large pot. Heat until the sugar has dissolved then add the papaya pieces along with the cinnamon stick, cloves and lemon zest. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat without stirring until the sugar becomes a thick syrup (about 20 minutes boiling).
3. At this point take the pan off the heat and set aside until cooled to room temperature.
4. Turn the papaya and syrup mixture into a jar and store in the refrigerator. It is typically served as a dessert with cottage (farmer's) cheese or yoghurt.