Espumillas or guava meringue cream desserts are considered as one of the traditional desserts of Ecuadorian cuisine. This dessert looks like an ice-cream but it does not melt and is very easy to prepare. Espumilla is still one of the favorite desserts of Ecuadorians, its delicious flavor and affordable price make this dessert one of the most desired in the entire country.
It is known that this dessert was a culinary product introduced through the convents and its mixture with local fruits such as guava has made it become part of the gastronomic traditions of Ecuador. There is no specific date about when the consumption of this dessert began, however, there is a record of its presence since 1907.
If you visit Ecuador, we recommend you to try the incomparable espumillas that are marketed, especially by street vendors. This traditional Ecuadorian dessert is sold in streets, squares, parks, shops and traditional markets of the city of Quito. You can find it also in several provinces of the country, such as: Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Bolívar, Chimborazo, Cañar, Azuay and Loja.
We invite to read the complete article about the best things to do in Quito (by a local).
How is the espumilla prepared?
The preparation of this dessert is not complicated, in fact, many Ecuadorian families elaborate it in their own homes very regularly. This delicious dessert is frequently handmade. It is prepared with egg whites, sugar and fruit pulp. One of the most used fruits to prepare espumilla is the guava or guayabas. However, it can also be prepared with other fruits such as: banana, strawberries, blackberries, naranjilla, passion fruit and more.
Photo by: Edjoerv – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
To prepare espumilla you will need:
- 8 egg whites
- 10 guavas or guayabas
- 2 cups of sugar
Note: These ingredients may vary according to the number of people who will eat the dessert. The guavas can be replaced by other fruits, as we saw earlier.
Once you have the ingredients, you can start by cooking the guavas for a few minutes to squeeze them and get the pulp. Then, you have to beat the egg whites until stiff and little by little, you have to add the pulp of the guava and the sugar. Finally, you have to beat the mix until the espumilla acquires consistency. Some people say that the preparation of the espumilla should be done preferentially by hand, however, you can also use an electric mixer.
Serve the mix immediately in ice-cream cones. It is common to decorate it with a blackberry sauce called “arrope”, sprinkles, cookies, pieces of fruit or coconut flakes.
To get to know the amazing Old Town of Quito, Quito Tour Bus offers you an incredible tour known as Quito City Tour. If you take it, you will reach the streets, shops and businesses where the fantastic espumilla is sold. If you have not done it yet, dare to try this delicious Ecuadorian dessert! We are sure that you will love it.
