Goan Perad | Super-Simple Guava Cheese | Christmas Specials

Perad (or Guava Cheese) is a popular sweet in Goa at Christmas time, during which there is an abundance of the fruit. Known as 'Goiabada' in many Portuguese-speaking countries, this was originally made from red guavas; over time and across the globe, this has seen many variations in terms of cooking, presentation and style of consumption as well.

Ingredients:
500 grams of Guavas (which yielded 2 cups of Guava pulp)
2 cups of granulated Sugar
2 teaspoons of Lime Juice/Lemon Juice
2 Tablespoons of Salted Butter

This dessert is simple, requiring no complicated tricks, but again, it needs time. The ratios of ingredients are easy, where everything follows the quantity of the guava pulp. Basically, 1 cup of the pulp needs 1 cup grain sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of butter. Increase/decrease as per the amount you are to prepare.

I used a tin with these dimensions: 9"x4.5"X2"
This recipe resulted in 500 grams of Perad (Guava Cheese). I was able to cut 18 pieces which were approximately 1.5" squares with a height of 1 cm.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
If cooked as per the stated directions, this guava cheese can remain at room temperature for 2-3 weeks, or even more. Just store it well without handling it too much and don't let moisture get to it, and at certain times of the day, allow it to get some air. I usually keep it in the tin-mould itself, and the keep it in the oven, where it's dark, cool and dry. In the fridge it can last for a couple of months

Music Credits:
Angels we have heard on high by ‪@incompetech_kmac‬
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by ‪@incompetech_kmac‬