Above: Lulo, a typical Colombian fruit that tastes like an orange, pineapple, and kiwi mixture.As a vegan, there aren't a lot of truly Colombian foods that I can enjoy. (Okay, I love platanos, patacon, lentajes, yucitas, frijoles rancheros, and arepas slathered in avocado, but besides those...) Generally speaking, I don't make "Colombian" food at home. We get our fix (if we have one) at school, and I like to have a little more variety when I cook at home. However, the recipes I make at home that are completely Colombia are the various "jugos" or juices that are basically only found in this region of South America. I have numerous favorites, including mora (like a raspberry/blackberry) and maracuya but my absolute favorite is jugo de lulo. We specifically bought a blender and a wire mesh strainer solely for me to embark on juice-making adventures.
When we were still living with the principal (back in January), we might have had a maid. Okay, we had a maid. Her name is Dora and we love her. While we were living there, I had her teach me how to make jugo de lulo. Warren photographed us, and I'm pleased to bring you Dora's Directions for Jugo de Lulo.
Enjoy. And if you live in Colombia, make this. (In other countries, like Ecuador, lulo is called narajilla.)
1. Peel the fruit. The outside looks smooth but is a bit prickly, almost like a cactus, so don't touch your face while you are doing this. A ripe fruit should be firm but not too firm... almost like a plum. The inside will be slippery and feel like a kiwi.
2. Cut the fruit into chunks and put into the blender.
3. Add a little water and sugar. (About 1/8 cup of water and 1 teaspoon sugar for each piece of fruit you use. You can add more water or sugar to taste afterwards.) Blend for a few minutes.
4. Strain, obviously catching the liquid into a container under the strainer. Discard the seeds.
5. Pour into a pitcher and stir. Taste... add sugar or water if needed. There should be foam on top. Pose with finished product.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Yummy, healthy, and refreshing! Also, isn't Dora adorable?
I just want you to know that, after reading your juicy post, we should abandon our study abroad business idea. The thing is, Rissa and I have been discussing opening a juice bar. Juice might be my one true love. Bring your newfound juice-making skills and embark upon the capitalist venture of a lifetime with us! Bring your strainer! :D
ReplyDeleteOOO sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteThat fruit is very misleading it looks like. When and if you get back to the states, you will know how to make such exotic foods and drinks! Go you!
ReplyDelete