Peru is famous for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, and one of the most beloved desserts in the country is Suspiro a la Limeña. This creamy and sweet dessert has a rich cultural significance and a fascinating history that spans back to the colonial era. In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of Suspiro a la Limeña, its cultural significance, and provide a step-by-step recipe for you to try at home.
Suspiro a la Limeña History
Suspiro a la Limeña has its origins in Lima, the capital city of Peru. It was created during the colonial era and is said to have been inspired by the French dessert, “Leche Merengada.” The dessert’s name, “Suspiro a la Limeña,” translates to “Sigh of the woman from Lima.” The dessert got its name because it was believed to be so delicious that it would cause the person eating it to let out a contented sigh.
Suspiro a la Limeña Cultural Significance
Suspiro a la Limeña is not only a beloved dessert but also has cultural significance in Peru. It is often served at special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings, birthdays, and holidays. The dessert is also closely associated with Lima’s culinary identity and is featured prominently in the city’s food scene.
Suspiro a la Limeña Ingredients
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 cup of port wine or Pisco
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Suspiro a la Limeña Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cinnamon stick. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken, about 10-15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are light and frothy. Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Return the mixture to the pot and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the port wine or Pisco. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and stir until the mixture thickens even more, about 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Pour the mixture into individual serving dishes and let them cool to room temperature.
- Once the dessert has cooled, sprinkle a generous amount of ground cinnamon on top of each dish. Serve chilled.
Suspiro a la Limeña Cooking Time
The total cooking time for Suspiro a la Limeña is around 30-40 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the dessert while it’s cooking and to stir it constantly to prevent it from burning or curdling.
In conclusion, Suspiro a la Limeña is a classic Peruvian dessert that is beloved for its rich cultural significance and delicious flavor. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can now bring a taste of Peru into your home and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
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