Red Grout Dessert

This meal is traditionally made with the seeds and skins of the guava fruit. This way, the dish can be eaten all year in any part of the country, even if you don’t have access to the lovely produce found on the Virgin Islands. Traditionally, Red Grout is served with a scoop of vanilla cream. To make an authentic St. Croix dessert, spoon the guava-flavored tapioca into the serving dish and top it with vanilla cream.

Red Grout Dessert

Don't be deceived by the strange name; "Red Groff" is the US Virgin Islands' national dish. This delectable tapioca and guava mixture exemplifies the islands' diverse cultures and influences throughout their history.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine British Virgin Island, Caribbean

Servings 4 people

Calories 507 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Red Grout

• 2 1/2 cups guava nectar
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup tapioca (quick cooking)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Cream

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1  vanilla bean
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

 

Prepare the Red Grout

• Bring guava nectar and sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan
• Combine the salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl.
• Combine the water and fast cooking tapioca in a small container.
• Gently stir the tapioca mixture into the sauce pan, stirring constantly
• Bring to a boil again, continually stirring.
• When the tapioca grains are clear, remove them from the heat. It should take around 13 minutes to complete this task
• Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well. Allow to cool completely.

Prepare the Vanilla Cream

• While the red grout is cooling, make the vanilla cream.
• In a medium sauce pan, combine the milk and cream.
• Scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the milk
• Also add the split vanilla bean to the milk.
• Remove the milk mixture from the heat once it reaches a simmer.
• Now Remove the vanilla bean pods.
• Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a medium mixing bowl
• Whisk the heated milk mixture into the yolk mixture in a slow, steady stream.
• Return the custard to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, over low heat until it thickens. This will take around 5 minutes (do not boil).
• Into a jar, strain the sauce, cover, and chill until ready to use.

Keyword dessert recipe, desserts, red grout dessert, traditional dessert, virgin island dessert