Paletas de Limón
Introduction
And in summer, nothing beats a paleta de limon. These lime-flavored cool treats are a sweet way to beat the heat. You do not need many ingredients and they are quite quick to throw together. Paletas are a little underappreciated, as far as ice cream or popsicles go in my opinion. Zest of lime gives me a taste of my time as a youngster in Mexico when limes were utilized for nearly everything, and the smell filled the yard when sitting down with relatives.
Crafting the Perfect Recipe
So I know making a good batch of paletas de limon can be tricky even with THE recipe. Because limes don’t have as much flesh as fresh strawberries or mango. Which in turns makes it hard to put together a water-based mix that doesn’t freeze into one icy brick. I quickly learned (after several messy attempts to make this properly) that adding stabilizers such as gelatin or cellulose gum will definitely help you get a smooth consistency. What this does is prevent those big ice crystals from forming and that in turn makes the paletas MORE enjoyable to eat.
These are ways you can eat with the pudding and eventually have a delightful dessert that smelt and tasted exactly like summertime. Whether you are making them for yourself or spreading the love to friends and family, these paletas are a home run!! So sweet without being cloying and a burst of lime acidity, and even if served in Spain, you will be momentarily wishing for Mexico.
Popsicle V/s Palaleta. How Are They Not the Same?
Limon paletas and ice pops can be confusing when it comes to these refreshing treats. Paletas are superior in my book because they are made from fresh fruits and other organic ingredients. Paletas, unlike popsicles that are mass-produced and made with preservatives and artificial flavoring, were lovingly prepared. Therefore, there is no need for preservatives to package them and shelf-stable for years on end which kills the taste.
The history of paletas is much longer, and rich. In Mexican culture they are beloved and integral to the street snack scene; in my opinion, a very underappreciated food. Though there are a lot of ice cream shops where you can buy paletas in many cities, it is still a traditional site to see paleteros with their colorful ice cream carts on street corners selling these sweet treats. Not only will you find this classic dessert, but the experience of indulging in a paleta from a neighborhood paletero elevates it to another level as I reminisce about warm Mexico days.
Before you take your tongue to the north or south, consult this handy guide. Eating a paleta is not simply eating an iced treat, it also tastes the flavor of our own cultural history. Mmm, nothing beats the refreshing taste of lime in a paleta.
Two Types of Paletas
When it comes to paletas, two types reign supreme. The water-based paleta – This type of paletas is prepared with fresh fruit, sugar, and water. They’re like a slightly more refreshing juice-based fruit pop. Water based paletas are ideal for keeping fruit flavors true to themselves. They are healthier and also vegan, making them 100% guilt free for anyone looking for something more light and fruitful. There are some flavors that I really enjoy, such as tamarindo and strawberry with chamoy (a mango-based sauce).
The second form is the cream-based paleta. They are more creamy like ice cream than your typical popsicle. Ingredients used include heavy cream or milk (and sometimes egg yolks), Mexican crema, and, more rarely, sweetened condensed milk. This really helps to make them rich and just so darn good! Paletas are made from a creamy base such as fruit juices and creams. Some popular flavors include coconut, coffee, strawberry and even arroz con leche. They are popular because every bite is a taste of joy.
It is great, especially on a hot day and reminds me of my street vendor memories from when I lived half the year in Mexico. They were out all over selling paletas daily. Choosing the flavor is always fun and it takes me back to my childhood; a scoop of simple juice ice was exciting.
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup fresh lime juice or 3/4 cup to make it less sour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin powder or 1/4 tsp cellulose gum
Instructions
Paletas de limon are easy to make and so fun, anyone can do it! Mix the sugar with gelatin (or cellulose gum) to combine very well. Next, simmer 3 cups of water (not boiling). Whisk sugar and gelatin mixture into the warm water until dissolved. Then, remove from heat and let it cool down completely. Let it sit in the fridge for ~1-2 hours to cool and make it slightly more syrupy.
And while we are waiting, get enough limes to make a cup of lime juice. And if you like it a touch less sour, add slightly more juice. Chill the base in the fridge and store your lime juice until you are ready. Strain the juice if you prefer a smoother texture without the pulp. Once the base has thickened and starts to bubble up, add the lime juice and mix well. Try it and adjust if need be. You can add a little food coloring if you want color. Personally, the natural choices (spinach juice being the best) have good results but they sure do not provide you with the vibrant color that commercial dyes have.
After that, just pour into your silicone popsicle mold close to the top but leave a little room for expansion. Center your placement of the popcicle sticks making sure not all the way down but not to high up either or they will slide off center. This is just a little trick to keep them from sliding and moving all over the place as they freeze. Chill the molds for at least 8 hours. To easily remove, dip mold in warm water for 20 seconds OR gently push a popsicle stick down sides. Consume your paletas de limon as soon as possible, when they are fresh!