USVI Red Grout

About This Recipe

Red grout is a uniquely Virgin Islands dessert: tart guava juice is cooked with cornstarch and coconut milk into a silky, pudding-like porridge, then poured into bowls and chilled until set. It is served at celebrations, after church, and as a cooling treat on hot island days.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 2 cupsguava juice(or guava nectar)
• 1 cancoconut milk(400 ml)
• 4 tbspcornstarch
• 3 tbspsugar
• ½ tspvanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix cornstarch

   Whisk cornstarch with ¼ cup of the guava juice until smooth.

2. 2

   Heat liquids

   Combine remaining guava juice, coconut milk, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.

3. 3

   Thicken

   Pour in cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens, about 5 minutes.

   Keep stirring to prevent scorching.

4. 4

   Set and chill

   Stir in vanilla, pour into bowls, and refrigerate at least 2 hours until set. Serve chilled.

Variations

• •

  Use mango juice for a yellow variation.

• •

  Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days, covered.

Frequently Asked Questions