If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, you might have come across the delicious Nespolino. This traditional Italian dessert, made from the sweet pulp of medlar fruits, is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this blog post, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make Nespolino from scratch.
What You'll Need
- 1 kg medlar fruits
- 300g sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Water
Step 1: Harvesting and Preparing the Medlar Fruits
The first step in making Nespolino is to gather the medlar fruits. Look for ripe, soft fruits that have a deep red or orange color. Once you have collected them, wash them thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or residue.
Step 2: Removing the Seeds
Using a sharp knife, cut each medlar fruit in half and gently remove the seeds. Make sure to discard the seeds as they are not used in the Nespolino recipe.
Step 3: Cooking the Pulp
In a large pot, add the medlar fruits and cover them with water. Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Allow the fruits to cook for about 20 minutes or until they become soft and pulpy.
Step 4: Straining the Pulp
Once the fruits are cooked, drain them using a fine-mesh strainer. Press the fruits gently with the back of a spoon to extract as much pulp as possible.
Step 5: Adding Sugar and Lemon Juice
Transfer the extracted pulp into a clean pot and add the sugar and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure that the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 6: Cooking and Cooling the Mixture
Place the pot over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. This can take around 30-40 minutes. Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it cool completely.
Step 7: Storing and Serving
Transfer the Nespolino into sterilized jars and seal them tightly. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least a week to allow the flavors to develop. Once ready, you can enjoy Nespolino as a spread on toast or as a delicious topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt.
So there you have it - a simple and easy guide to make Nespolino. Experiment with the recipe by adding your own twists and enjoy this delightful Italian treat!