How to Make Preserved Pineapple
Embarking on a culinary adventure that results in the delightful sweetness of preserved pineapple is an experience both gratifying and delicious. This recipe not only captures the essence of fresh pineapple but also allows for a touch of creativity with optional ingredients. Perfect as a topping for desserts, a side for savory dishes, or a unique addition to your breakfast table, this preserved pineapple is a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pineapple (chopped/sliced) | 1 pineapple (about 2 cups) |
| Water | 1½ cups |
| Sugar | ½ cup |
| Orange liqueur (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 21 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 mins |
| Cooking Time | 15 mins |
| Total Time | 30 mins |
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying throughout the week.
Instructions
To begin your journey of creating this delightful preserved pineapple, follow these steps:
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Prepare the Pineapple: Begin by selecting a ripe pineapple. Chop or slice it into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that you have about 2 cups of fruit ready for the process.
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Boil the Water: In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in 1½ cups of water and bring it to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.
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Dissolve the Sugar: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add ½ cup of sugar, stirring gently until the sugar is fully dissolved. This step is crucial, as it creates a sweet syrup that will enhance the flavor of your pineapple.
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Add the Pineapple: Carefully add the prepared pineapple chunks into the boiling water-sugar mixture. Stir the ingredients together and allow it to return to a boil, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
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Alternative Cooking Method: If you prefer a quicker method, you can place all three ingredients (water, sugar, and pineapple) in a heat-safe vessel and cook it in a pressure cooker for one whistle. This method helps to infuse the flavors quickly.
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Cooling: After boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for about 15 minutes to cool. During this time, the pineapple will soak up the sweetness of the syrup.
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Prepare the Container: While the mixture is cooling, take a clean glass bottle or jar and wipe it thoroughly with a clean cloth or kitchen towel to ensure it is sanitized for storing your preserved pineapple.
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Add Optional Liquor: If you’re feeling adventurous and would like to enhance the flavor profile, add the 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur (or any alcohol of your choice) to the cooled pineapple mixture, mixing well.
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Bottle the Pineapple: Using a ladle, carefully transfer the pineapple chunks along with the syrup into the prepared bottle. Cover the bottle with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature until it cools completely.
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Refrigerate: Once the pineapple has reached room temperature, securely place the lid on the bottle and refrigerate it. Your preserved pineapple will be ready to use after chilling.
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Serving Suggestions: Use the preserved pineapple as needed in your recipes. You can also rinse the pineapple under running water to reduce excess sugar, making it a great option for savory dishes where a hint of sweetness complements the flavors.
With its bright and tropical essence, this preserved pineapple recipe not only preserves the fruit but also preserves memories of summer, bringing joy to your culinary creations throughout the year. Enjoy the versatility of this recipe and the sweet rewards of your efforts!
