Romeu e Julieta
A classic Brazilian dessert or snack, Romeu e Julieta is a delightful pairing of mild, fresh white cheese (Queijo Minas Fresco) and sweet, firm guava paste (Goiabada). The name, meaning 'Romeo and Juliet,' alludes to the perfect, albeit unlikely, union of these two distinct flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Queijo Minas Fresco(A fresh, mild, slightly salty white cheese from Brazil. If unavailable, a good substitute would be a fresh mozzarella (not buffalo mozzarella), farmer's cheese, or even a mild feta if you prefer a saltier profile.)
- 200 g Goiabada (guava paste)(A firm, sweet paste made from guava fruit. It's typically sold in blocks or bars. Look for it in Latin American or specialty food stores. If it's very hard, you can gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave to make it easier to slice.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the cheese: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the Queijo Minas Fresco into approximately 1 cm (about 1/2 inch) thick slices. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size as you anticipate for the guava paste.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 2
Prepare the guava paste: Slice the goiabada into pieces that are similar in thickness and surface area to your cheese slices. The texture of goiabada can vary; if it's very firm, a gentle sawing motion with your knife might be needed. If it's too soft, chilling it briefly can help.
⏱️ 4 minutes - 3
Assemble the pairs: Place a slice of guava paste on a plate or serving platter. Top it with a slice of Queijo Minas Fresco, creating a 'sandwich' or pairing. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, forming individual servings.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Serve immediately: Present the Romeu e Julieta as is, allowing the natural textures and flavors to be enjoyed. This dish is perfect as a light dessert after a meal, a sweet afternoon snack, or even as part of a cheese board.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The magic of this dish lies in the delightful contrast between the salty, creamy cheese and the intensely sweet, slightly floral guava paste.
- ✓The name 'Romeu e Julieta' is a nod to the iconic lovers, symbolizing the perfect, albeit unexpected, union of these two distinct flavors.
- ✓For a warm variation, you can lightly grill or pan-fry the assembled pairs for 1-2 minutes per side until the cheese is slightly softened and the goiabada is warm and gooey. Be careful not to overcook, as the goiabada can melt completely.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Encase the assembled pairs in puff pastry or empanada dough and bake until golden brown for a delightful pastry treat.
- Bake the assembled pairs in small ramekins until the cheese is soft and the guava paste is melted and bubbly.