Vigilante Dessert with Homemade Quince Paste

c
@cocinero44

This is one of the most recognized desserts in Argentina because it is delicious, economical, and quick to make. Known as 'Vigilante,' 'Martín Fierro,' or 'Queso y Dulce' depending on the region and variation, it can be prepared with either sweet potato paste or quince paste.

Vigilante Dessert with Homemade Quince Paste recipe

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Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
0min
Total Time
10min

Ingredients

4 Servings
  • Quince
    Quince
    2kg
  • sugar
    sugar
    1kg
  • lemon zest
    lemon zest
    1tbsp
  • Sugar (for decoration)
    Sugar (for decoration)

How to make Vigilante Dessert with Homemade Quince Paste

  1. Step 1

    Place the whole quinces in a large pot of water and boil them until they are tender (prick them and if they are tender, they are cooked).

  2. Step 2

    Remove the quinces from the water, peel them, and scoop out the pulp. You should have about 1.5 kg of pulp.

  3. Step 3

    Mash the pulp thoroughly and mix in the lemon zest.

  4. Step 4

    Transfer the mixture to a wide, heavy-bottomed pan.

  5. Step 5

    Add the sugar and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for about 30 minutes.

  6. Step 6

    When the mixture begins to pull away from the sides of the pan and becomes thick, it’s ready.

  7. Step 7

    You can cook it a little longer if you prefer a deeper reddish color.

  8. Step 8

    Pour the mixture into loaf pans or molds to form rectangular blocks.

  9. Step 9

    Let cool slightly, then refrigerate for 24 hours to set.

  10. Step 10

    Once set, unmold and slice as needed. Optionally, you can sprinkle or roll slices in sugar for a decorative finish.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

750.0kcal (37.5%)

Protein

2.0g (4%)

Carbs

690.0g (100%)

Sugars

630.0g (100%)

Healthy Fat

0.6g

Unhealthy Fat

0.2g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use a cheese that complements the sweetness of the quince, such as a mild cheese.

  2. Experiment with using sweet potato paste as an alternative to quince.

FAQS

  1. What type of cheese works best with quince paste?

    A mild cheese such as fresh cheese or cream cheese complements the sweetness of the quince paste well.

  2. Can I use a different paste instead of quince?

    Yes, you can substitute quince paste with sweet potato paste for a different flavor profile.

  3. How should I store leftover slices?

    Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 5 days.

  4. What can I serve with this dessert?

    This dessert pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.

  5. Is any special equipment needed for this recipe?

    No special equipment is required for this recipe.

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