Desserts > Fruit Desserts > Greek Desserts > Moustalevria

Moustalevria with Pears and Cardamom Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of grape must
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 pears, peeled and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom

Special equipment needed:
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Whisk
- Serving dish

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the grape must, water, sugar, and ground cardamom. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the diced pears to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
4. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk the mixture until it thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Pour the moustalevria into a serving dish and let it cool to room temperature.
7. Once cooled, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
5. Temperature:
Medium heat for boiling, low heat for thickening
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 220
Total fat: 0.2g
Sodium: 5mg
Total carbohydrates: 54g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 29g
Protein: 0.5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Grape must can be substituted with grape juice or pomegranate juice.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
- Pears can be substituted with apples or quince.
- Ground cardamom can be substituted with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for added texture and flavor.
- Top with whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
- Use different spices, such as ginger or cloves, to add a different flavor profile.

Tips and tricks:
- Whisk constantly while adding the cornstarch mixture to prevent lumps from forming.
- Let the moustalevria cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming on the surface.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added sweetness.

Storage instructions:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Moustalevria is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can microwave it for 30 seconds or heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the moustalevria in individual bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation. Top with diced pears or a sprinkle of ground cardamom for added visual appeal.

Garnishes:
Top with chopped nuts, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey for added flavor and texture.

Pairings:
Moustalevria pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a slice of cake for a complete dessert.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the moustalevria is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out. If it's too thin, whisk in a bit more cornstarch.

Food safety advice:
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and discard any that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Food history:
Moustalevria is a traditional Greek dessert made with grape must, which is the juice extracted from grapes during the winemaking process.

Flavor profiles:
Moustalevria has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, with hints of cardamom and pear.

Serving suggestions:
Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert after a meal.

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Region: Greek

Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Fragrant, Fruity, Nutty