Mala Rabia (Guava and Plantain in Syrup)

When one of our forum regulars asked us about this recipe, which I had never heard of before, I was convinced it was a joke, with a name that roughly translates as “bad rage”, it had to be, right?

Lesson learned: never underestimate Dominican creativity when it comes to naming our food something bizarre.

And therein lies one of the beauties of food blogging. I learn almost as much from my readers as they learn from me. I have discovered many a Dominican dish this way. Another wonderful thing about what I do is that I discover the generosity of many a Dominican cook, willing to take me into their kitchens and share their family recipes with me. Perhaps they do not want them lost to time.

Some recipes are harder to find than others. Some of the recipes in our blog have required trips to remote parts of our country, others require leaps of faith when we have had to try foods in less than sterile conditions. Luckily we never came home with anything worse than great memories and perhaps a few extra pounds.

After inquiring for several days I found someone who knew what it was, and she gave me the recipe. What do you know, that someone’s granddaughter was sitting right next to me in my office.

Thanks to Doña Elsa Rincón for teaching me how to prepare this dish. I also learned from her that there are two versions of this this dessert: with or without milk. We give you both choices.

Aunt Clara

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Mala Rabia Recipe (Guava and Plantain in Syrup)

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

Mala Rabia (Guava and Plantain in Syrup): Odd names and unusual ingredients, but don't freak out, you will love this delicious Dominican dessert.

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Clara Gonzalez

Ingredients

• 3 large guavas
• 3 sticks of cinnamon
• 6 cups of water , divided (may need more)
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 very ripe plantain , diced
• 1 cup of sweet potato , diced
• 1/4 cup of sweet , condensed milk (optional) [see notes]

Instructions

1. Wash the guavas and halve. Scoop out the seeds using a teaspoon. Cut the guavas into wedges and reserve both guava and seeds.
2. Boil the seeds along with the cinnamon over medium heat in 4 cups of water for 10 minutes. Add water if it becomes necessary to maintain 2 cups of liquid.
3. Remove from the heat and sieve, discard the solids.
4. Pour the liquid back into a pot and add sugar, plantain, sweet potato and a cup of water.
5. Boil over medium heat until all the ingredients are cooked throughout. Add water as it becomes necessary to maintain the same level of liquid.
6. Add the guava wedges and boil for another five minutes, let enough of the liquid evaporate to obtain a light syrup.
7. Chill before serving. If you want to add milk, do it now.
   
   
   

Notes & Nutrition Facts

For this recipe you will need fresh guava, but if can't find it, then we suggest you buy them canned.

While the vast majority of people who have actually tried this dish do not add milk to it, I have found a couple that have. Feel free to try whichever you think you'd like.

Nutrition Facts