An explosion of Sicilian sweetness

Prickly pears are among the most loved fruits in Sicily, with their sweet and juicy pulp. Why not turn them into a delicious jam? This simple recipe will let you enjoy the unique flavor of prickly pears all year round.

Ingredients

• 1kg of ripe peeled prickly pears;
• 400g of sugar;
• Juice of 1 lemon;
• 1 vanilla pod (optional).

Preparation

1. Prepare the Prickly Pears: peel the prickly pears carefully using gloves to avoid getting pricked. Cut the pulp into pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Cook the Fruit: pour the prickly pear pulp into a large pot and add the sugar and lemon juice. For an extra aroma, cut the vanilla pod lengthwise and add it to the pot.
3. Bring to a Boil: turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 45-50 minutes until the fruit thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency.
4. Remove the Seeds: once cooked, you can decide whether to keep the seeds or remove them. To remove the seeds, pass the jam through a large-mesh strainer.
5. Jar the Jam: pour the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, seal tightly, and turn them upside down to create a vacuum. Let them cool completely.

How to peel Prickly Pears

Peeling prickly pears is simple but requires some care: wear gloves, cut off the two ends of the fruit and make a vertical incision in the peel. Then just lift the peel and separate it from the juicy flesh without touching the thorns.

Tips for enjoying the Jam

This prickly pear jam is perfect for spreading on toast for breakfast, pairing with fresh or aged cheeses, or using as a filling for cakes and tarts. Its intense and sweet flavor will win everyone over! 🍞🌿

Also, try our Lime Cheesecake recipe for a citrusy and delicious breakfast!