Membrillo (quince paste)

Name: Membrillo (quince paste)
Prep time: PT50-60M
Total time: 50 min
Yield: Makes about 64 squares
Cuisine: Spanish recipes
Ingredients: 1kg quinces (4-5), washed to remove any fuzz, then cored and quartered; 7 tbsp lemon juice; 800g caster sugar; You’ll also need…; Fine sieve lined with 2-3 layers of muslin; Blender or food processor; 20cm x 20cm tin lined with compostable baking paper

By: The Taverne Agency

Published: 29 Oct 21
Updated: 9 Oct 24

Test kitchen approved

Learn how to make membrillo, the Spanish quince paste. It’s traditionally served with manchego cheese, but also delightful spread on toast.

Make the most of quince’s short season by stirring up a batch of quince compote, too.

Makes about 64 squares
Hands-on time 50-60 min, plus cooling and overnight setting

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Ingredients

1kg quinces (4-5), washed to remove any fuzz, then cored and quartered
7 tbsp lemon juice
800g caster sugar

You’ll also need…

Fine sieve lined with 2-3 layers of muslin
Blender or food processor
20cm x 20cm tin lined with compostable baking paper

Method

Put the quinces, lemon juice and 1 litre cold water in a large pan (one with a lid). Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer. Put on the lid and cook for 45-50 minutes until the quinces are very soft. Strain the fruit through a fine muslin lined sieve (see Don’t Waste It).
Whizz the strained quinces to a fine purée in a blender or food processor. Pour into a large pan and stir in the sugar. Put the pan over a low-medium heat and cook, stirring regularly to make sure it doesn’t catch on the bottom, for 40-50 minutes until reduced and thickened. The quince paste is done when it doesn’t fall back on itself when stirred
Spread the quince paste inside the prepared tin. Smooth the surface, then press a sheet of compostable baking paper over the top. Leave to cool and set for at least 24 hours. Cut into 2.5cm x 2.5cm squares to serve.

Recipe from October 2021 Issue

Nutrition

Nutrition: per serving

Calories: 54kcals
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 13.5g (13.5g sugars)
Fibre: trace
Salt: 0g

delicious. tips

Don’t waste it: Reserve the strained liquid (see step 1) for making quince jelly.
The quince paste will keep for up to 2 months in the fridge. Slice and store in an airtight container between layers of baking paper.
The colour of the final membrillo will depend on the level of tannins in the fruit – some varieties have more than others – and its ripeness. For a firmer set, allow the quince paste to air dry for 2-3 days until no longer sticky. Alternatively, dry in a very low oven (50-60°C fan) for 3-4 hours.

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Membrillo (quince paste)

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