Pineapple Paleta

mayurisjikoni

14 years ago

RECIPE: PINEAPPLE PALETA

Pineapple Paleta is a delicious, cooling, refreshing summer time treat. And the best part is that it is made without refined sugar, is vegan and super easy to make.

WHAT IS A PALETA?

Though Paleta or Paletas may look like what we usually know as ice lollies or popsicles, they are so different. Usually commercially available ice lollies or popsicles are loaded with sugar, artificial colouring and flavours. However, Paletas are mostly made with fresh ingredients. That is, real fresh fruit juices are used. Sometimes fresh fruit bits are added. Usually a milk product like milk, cream, yogurt, condensed milk, etc is added. Even coconut milk or cream is used.

In short, paleta is the name given to Mexican Ice lollies. Fresh juice is mixed with dairy or coconut milk/cream and frozen in molds with a stick.

Memories

My Son Is Home

My son Niku had come home for vacation. Working at The Hilton The Walk, Dubai, he was all ready to impart the tricks and tips he learned from managing the restaurants there. And it was a way for us to spend time together working together in kitchen. During our grocery shopping, he picked up a fresh pineapple. We came home and cut it. Of course we were excited as we both love pineapple. In fact the pineapple was really juicy, had a lovely yellow hue. However, one bite and it was so sour! Niku took another chunk and then gave up..’it is too sour.” Finally, put the cut pineapple in the fridge and he went away to watch telly.

Gift

One of the gifts he brought back from Dubai for me was an ice lolly mould. Actually, I was impatient to try it out. Next day, sour pineapple and mould kept running in my mind. Maybe I could pair it mango but we didn’t have any. Anyway, I blended the pineapple chunks and kept it in the fridge.

Shows Me How To Make Paletas

Niku comes into the kitchen and asks me what I am planning to do with the pineapple. I told him ice lollies. He goes “mum lets make paleta”. “What is a paleta?” I asked. And he told me to watch.

So into the blender went the thick fresh pineapple juice, ripe banana, coconut cream, maple syrup and a bit of salt. And a quick whisk and the thick luscious liquid was ready to be frozen.

Since then I have made pineapple paletas several times as that is the way hubby enjoys fresh pineapple and also a good frozen treat to share with my neighbours. As Mombasa is usually hot, I sometimes keep them ready before Diwali. Guests who come to visit us get treated to fresh fruit paletas.

OTHER PINEAPPLE RECIPES ON MY BLOG:

PINEAPPLE MOUSSE

Pineapple Mousse is an easy to prepare, light, creamy, summery, vegan dessert. It is unbelievably delicious and perfect for summer parties. I usually prepare it a day ahead to save on time. You just need a few ingredients to prepare this dessert.

Check out this recipe

PINEAPPLE SLUSH

Pineapple Slush is so easy to put together, is refreshing and so delicious. An ideal treat for summer parties, kids parties and for adults add a shot of rum or vodka.

Check out this recipe

PINEAPPLE COCONUT VIRGIN MOJITO FLOAT

Pineapple Coconut Virgin Mojito Float is a cooling, thirst quenching,nectarous mocktail made from coconut water, mint, lemon and a homemade pineapple coconut sorbet

Check out this recipe

FRESH PINEAPPLE SALSA

Fresh Pineapple Salsa is a delicious combination of sweet and tangy ingredients with a bit of spiciness. Can be served with any Mexican Dish, as a starter with chips or simply enjoy it on its own as a salad.

Check out this recipe

Pineapple Coconut Muffins are so flavourful and perfect for any tea party.

CAN I REPLACE COCONUT CREAM?

Yes you can with fresh whipping cream, thick yogurt or condensed milk. If you use condensed milk then you don’t need to add any sweetener.

WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF MAPLE SYRUP?

You can use honey, add sugar.

CAN I USE TINNED/CANNED PINEAPPLE?

Yes you can. Taste before you add sweetener of your choice as sometimes canned pineapples are sweet.

WHAT TO USE IF YOU DON’T HAVE ICE LOLLY MOULDS

Use small disposable cups, small steel bowls, silicon cake cups. Cover with a foil. Make a small cut in the foil using a knife and insert the wooden stick in it. For really small paletas, can use an ice tray. Cover with foil and make cuts. Insert the stick.

INGREDIENTS REQUIRED FOR PINEAPPLE PALETA

Fresh Pineapple – peel and cut into chunks. Can replace it with canned or tinned pineapple.
Coconut Cream – or use good quality thick coconut milk. Can replace it with thick yogurt, fresh whipping cream or condensed milk.
Maple Syrup – can replace it with a sweetener of your choice. Use honey, sugar, jaggery powder, cocontu sugar, etc.
Salt – I add a bit of salt to balance the flavours.
Ripe Banana – helps to make the paletas softer. Can replace it with mango if you wish.