A Santiago-based priest has gained attention on social media by sharing a unique and simple recipe for a holiday sweet that features the wild fruit known as "mouse pineapple," which is renowned for its antiparasitic properties. Leandro NaunHung posted a video on Facebook detailing the dessert-making process, which begins with the meticulous peeling of the fruit. To facilitate peeling, a cross is cut into the tip with a knife.
Once peeled, the fruits are briefly dipped in hot water to remove the fine hairs that might cause irritation, explained a woman in the video. The fruits are then boiled for five minutes before being immersed in a syrup made from sugar, honey, cinnamon, and a touch of patience. "Next time, we should add more sugar to thicken the syrup," the woman suggested as she finished cooking on a gas stove due to a power outage. "Even the seeds soften. It's amazing," she added.
This sweet treat not only delights the palate but also offers medicinal benefits due to the antiparasitic properties of the mouse pineapple. This inventive recipe not only adds sweetness to the holiday season but also serves as a testament to how Cuban culinary traditions adapt and endure in challenging times.
In other posts, the Catholic priest has demonstrated how to prepare various dishes using ingredients readily available to the rural population of Santiago de Cuba. In September, he shared a Cuban take on sampa, a long-lasting food he recommended as a practical solution amid the nation's economic and food crises. NaunHung explained on Facebook that sampa (or tsampa) is "a meal made from roasted grains and seeds, packed with energy for crisis times."
On another occasion, he shared a recipe for spaghetti made with green papaya and squash. One of his most talked-about posts featured a soup made with prickly pear cactus and banana blossom, two ingredients uncommon in Cuba but widely used in other cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Leandro NaunHung's Survival Recipes
What is "mouse pineapple" and why is it used?
"Mouse pineapple" is a wild fruit known for its antiparasitic properties, making it not only a flavorful addition to dishes but also beneficial for health.
How does Leandro NaunHung adapt traditional recipes for crisis situations?
He uses locally available ingredients and shares creative recipes to help communities prepare nutritious meals during economic and food shortages.
What are some other dishes NaunHung has shared?
He has shared recipes for sampa, a long-lasting food, spaghetti with green papaya and squash, and soup made with prickly pear cactus and banana blossom.