Romeu e JulietaGuava & Cheese
Warm Guava Paste with Fresh Minas Cheese.
Romeu e Julieta is Brazil's answer to the question of dessert in two ingredients: guava paste and fresh cheese, the sweet and the salt that cannot be together yet must. The name says everything about how seriously the country takes the pairing.
Ingredients
- 250 g guava paste (goiabada), thickly sliced
- 250 g fresh Minas cheese (or a mild halloumi/queso fresco)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Method
- Slice the pairCut the guava paste and the cheese into slices of equal thickness — about 1 cm — so they melt at the same gentle pace.
- Warm the guavaMelt the butter in a non-stick pan over low heat and warm the guava slices until they soften and turn glossy, about 3 minutes a side.
- Warm the cheeseIn the same pan, warm the cheese slices briefly — 1 minute a side — just to take the chill off and soften the edges.
- Serve as oneSandwich or lay guava on cheese and serve warm, traditionally with coffee.
Questions
How long does Romeu e Julieta take?
About 5 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking — 10 minutes total, yielding 4 portions.
What cheese pairs with guava paste?
Fresh Minas cheese is the classic; a mild halloumi, queso fresco or even a young mozzarella works. You want milky and squeaky, not aged and sharp.
Is it a dessert or a snack?
Both — it is equally at home beside coffee in the afternoon and as a dessert plate. The only rule is that it is warm.