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Romeu e Julieta

Serves 4 to 6 Dessert vegetarian, Desserts

Romeu e Julieta

Romeu e Julieta is a classic pairing from the heart of Minas Gerais, where the lush landscapes inspire equally rich culinary traditions. This dish is a beloved staple, often found gracing the table at family gatherings or as a treat during leisurely afternoons. It's a simple yet profound combination that highlights the region's love for unpretentious yet deeply satisfying flavors.

The dish brings together the sweet, slightly tangy allure of goiabada with the creamy, mild notes of fresh Minas cheese. It's a celebration of contrasts, where the velvety cheese tempers the sweetness of the guava paste, creating a harmonious balance that lingers delightfully on the palate. This is comfort food at its most genuine, enjoyed with the warmth of good company.

Ingredients

  • 200 ggoiabada
  • 200 gMinas cheese

Method

  1. Begin by cutting 200 g of goiabada into small cubes, approximately 1 cm each. This will allow the goiabada to melt evenly and blend well with the cheese. Set the cubes aside on a plate.
  2. Next, slice 200 g of Minas cheese into pieces that are similar in size to the goiabada cubes. This ensures an even distribution of flavors when the dish is assembled. Arrange the cheese slices on a separate plate.
  3. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While waiting for the oven to reach the desired temperature, lightly grease a small baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
  4. Layer the bottom of the greased baking dish with half of the cheese slices. This will form the base layer, ensuring that the cheese melts and forms a creamy foundation for the goiabada.
  5. Evenly distribute the goiabada cubes over the layer of cheese, ensuring that each piece of goiabada is surrounded by cheese for a balanced taste. This will create the signature sweet and savory combination of the dish.
  6. Cover the goiabada with the remaining cheese slices, forming a top layer. Press down gently to compact the layers, which will help them meld together during baking.
  7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the goiabada has softened, about 15-20 minutes. The top should have a light golden color, indicating that the flavors have melded perfectly.
  8. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Serve warm, allowing the gooey texture to contrast with the sweet goiabada, embodying the classic Romeu e Julieta experience.
Cover of Authentic Brazilian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Brazilian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Brazilian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Brazilian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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