Mala rabia - the Dominican guava and plantain in spiced syrup - has an odd name and unusual ingredients, but let me reassure you-you'll love this delicious dessert. You can now surprise your guests and family with one of the least-known Dominican desserts we have.
By - Reviewed: . Original: Dec 29, 2004
Why we ❤️ it
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.
The name may be weird, but the dessert is an uncommon combination of ingredients that somehow manage to work together in an interesting way.
What's mala rabia?
Mala rabia is a Dominican dessert made with guava, sweet potatoes (batata), and ripe plantains.
But, did you know that Mala Rabia exists in other Latin American countries? Yes, I've seen Peruvian recipes, and Cuban too. I suspect more countries have their own version. Neither recipe is remotely similar to ours, and the Peruvian one is a savory dish.
Mala rabia (guava and plantain in syrup).
Serving suggestions
While the vast majority of people who have actually tried this dish do not add milk, I have found a couple who have. Feel free to try whichever you think you'd prefer.
This dessert is great to end your lunch, and for many people, it is a Lenten tradition.
Top tips
- Guava: For this recipe, you will need fresh guava, but if you can't find it, then we suggest you buy it canned.
- Milk: While the vast majority of people who have actually tried this dish do not add milk, I have found a couple who have. Feel free to try whichever you think you'd like.
- Servings: This recipe yields 6 servings.
About this recipe
Another wonderful thing about what I do is that I discover the generosity of Dominican cooks, many 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. After inquiring for several days, I found someone who knew what it was. What do you know? Someone's granddaughter was sitting right next to me in my office.
Thanks to Doña Elsa Rincón, my friend Ingrid's grandma, for teaching me how to prepare this ripe plantain and guava dessert. I also learned from her that there are two versions of this dessert: with or without milk.
We give you both choices.
Video
Recipe
This awesome free recipe contains Amazon affiliate links, we receive a small commission from any purchase you make at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Mala Rabia [Video+Recipe] Guava and Plantain in Syrup
Ingredients
- 3 guavas
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 cup water, divided (may need more)
- ½ cup sugar , (white, granulated)
- 1 plantain, diced (very ripe)
- 1 cup batata , (sweet potato) diced
- ¼ cup condensed milk, (optional, see notes)
Instructions
1. Cutting the guava
Wash the guavas and halve. Scoop out the seeds using a teaspoon. Cut the guavas into wedges and set the wedges aside.
2. Boiling seeds
- Boil the seeds and the cinnamon sticks over medium heat in 4 cups of water for 10 minutes. Add water if it becomes necessary to maintain the same level of liquids.Remove from the heat and sieve, discard the solids.
3. Cooking guavas
- Pour the liquid back into a pot and add sugar, plantain, and sweet potato.Boil over medium heat until all the ingredients are cooked throughout. Add water as it becomes necessary to maintain the same level of liquid.Add the guava wedges and boil for another five minutes, let enough of the liquid evaporate to obtain a light syrup.
4. Serving
Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. If you want to add milk, mix it in now.Chill before serving.
Cook's Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutrition information.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. ❤️ Plus, get great weekly recipes from me!
More guava recipes
Guava is one of our most popular Dominican fruits, and we enjoy it in many desserts. The most popular one is Pasta de guayaba, Casquitos de guayaba, and Empanada de guayaba.
If you want to try some non-traditional guava dishes, don't miss this Guava tart, these lovely Baked guava rolls, or this Spicy guava BBQ sauce.
- Learn more about me and the humans behind this blog.
- Share your questions and comments about this post.
- Subscribe to receive our recipes and articles by email.
- Please stay in touch! Follow us on:
