Dulce de Lechosa
Candied Green Papaya
A traditional Venezuelan Christmas dessert featuring tender strips of green papaya simmered in a spiced syrup made from papelón (unrefined cane sugar). The papaya becomes translucent and sweet, with warm notes of cinnamon and cloves.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) Green papaya(Must be firm and unripe. Avoid yellow or ripe papayas.)
- 500 g (about 1.1 lbs) Papelón (panela, piloncillo)(This is unrefined whole cane sugar, often sold in blocks. If unavailable, use dark brown sugar, but papelón provides a unique flavor.)
- 2 cups Water
- 2 large Cinnamon sticks
- 6 Whole cloves
- 1 strip Optional: Lime zest(Adds a subtle citrus note.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the papaya: Peel the green papaya using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Cut it in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. Cut the papaya flesh into thin, uniform strips, about 1/4 inch thick and 3-4 inches long. Aim for consistency in size for even cooking.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 2
Make the syrup: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the papelón (broken into smaller pieces if in a block), water, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and optional lime zest. Place over medium heat.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Dissolve the papelón: Stir the mixture constantly until the papelón has completely dissolved. Bring the syrup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse. The syrup should be fragrant.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Cook the papaya: Add the prepared papaya strips to the simmering syrup. Ensure the papaya is mostly submerged. Increase the heat to medium-low, and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Do not boil vigorously.
⏱️ 2 hours - 5
Simmer and thicken: Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the papaya strips are tender, translucent, and slightly gelatinous. The syrup will gradually thicken and become syrupy. If the syrup reduces too quickly, you can add a little more water (about 1/4 cup at a time). The papaya should not be mushy.
⏱️ 2 hours 30 minutes - 6
Cool and serve: Once the papaya is tender and the syrup has thickened to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Discard the cinnamon sticks and cloves (or leave them in for presentation if desired). Let the Dulce de Lechosa cool completely in the syrup. It can be served warm, but it is traditionally served chilled.
⏱️ 30 minutes (cooling)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use only firm, green papaya. Ripe papaya will be too soft and sweet.
- ✓Papelón is key for authentic flavor. If substituting, use dark brown sugar and consider adding a touch of molasses for depth.
- ✓The longer it simmers, the more concentrated the flavor and thicker the syrup will become. Adjust cooking time to your preference.
- ✓This dessert is excellent made ahead of time, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Store covered in the refrigerator.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other spices like star anise or a piece of ginger to the syrup.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of papelón by 100g and increase the water slightly.
- Some recipes include a splash of rum or brandy towards the end of cooking for added complexity.