Plum jam for winter

Recipe for Greengage Paste for Winter

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 6 jars of 400 g

Greengage paste is a perfect winter delicacy, bringing a touch of freshness and flavor to gloomy days. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for anyone looking to preserve seasonal fruits and enjoy their taste throughout the year.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh greengages (choose firm fruits without spots or signs of spoilage)
- 250 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance the flavor)

Preparation instructions:

1. Preparing the greengages: Start by selecting the greengages. Make sure to choose ripe but firm fruits without spots. Wash them well under cold running water to remove impurities. Remove the stems and any spoiled greengages, keeping only the healthy ones.

2. Boiling the greengages: In a large pot, add the cleaned greengages and enough water to just cover them. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the water to a boil. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent the greengages from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

3. Cooking the fruits: Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and let the greengages simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until they become soft and release their juice. At this stage, you can also add the lemon juice for an extra touch of acidity, which will balance the sweetness of the paste.

4. Transforming into paste: Using an immersion blender or a food processor, puree the boiled greengages until you achieve a smooth consistency. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can leave some whole pieces for a pleasant contrast.

5. Sweetening: In the same pot, add the sugar over the obtained paste. Mix well and place it back on the heat. Let the mixture boil for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid sticking. The paste is ready when you achieve a thicker consistency, similar to that of jam.

6. Bottling: Sterilize the jars and lids by boiling or in the oven. As soon as the greengage paste is ready, carefully pour it into the jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars with the lids and let them cool completely at room temperature.

Serving suggestions: Greengage paste is delicious on toast, as a filling for pastries, or as a sauce for fine cheeses. You can also use the paste to add a flavor note to meat dishes, such as duck or pork.

Possible variations: You can experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or cloves to give your paste a unique flavor. You can also replace sugar with honey or a natural sweetener, adapting the recipe to your preferences.

This greengage paste recipe is easy to make and can become a wonderful gift for loved ones. Try it and enjoy the flavor of greengages throughout the year!