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Labarang Konfyt

I am sure there are so many shortcuts to make watermelon konfyt (preserve), but because this sweet treat was taught to me by Aunty Bhebi, my friend Shamila Mollajee’s mother, I simply do not want to alter the original recipe. Be prepared for overnight soaking and a 7-hour cooking process – the result is nothing short of sweet and sticky indulgence!

 

Makes about 4 × 352 g jars | Preparation time 20 minutes | Cooking time 7 hours

 

FOR THE SLAKED LIME SOLUTION

  • 10 C (2.5 litres) water
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) slaked lime powder
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) bicarbonate of soda

 

FOR THE KONFYT

  • 1 kg of the inner white flesh of the watermelon, skin and ripe flesh removed
  • 1 kg white or brown sugar
  • 8 C (2 litres) water, plus extra for topping up
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 1 thumb-size piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) ground ginger

 

PREPARING THE SLAKED LIME SOLUTION       

  1. Pour the water into a large container with a lid. Add the lime and bicarbonate of soda and mix well. Set aside.

 

PREPARING THE KONFYT

  1. Cut the white flesh of the watermelon into portions of 5–6 cm in length and 4–5 cm wide.
  2. Use a fork to poke holes into the watermelon portions, back and front and on the sides.
  3. Submerge all the watermelon portions in the slaked lime solution, making sure that the water covers the watermelon. Seal the container and leave overnight.
  4. The following day, drain the soaked watermelon portions in a large colander and rinse under running water for about 1 minute.
  5. Transfer the watermelon portions to a large saucepan on high heat. Add the remaining konfyt ingredients and bring to a boil.
  6. After every 30–40 minutes, check the water level. Keep on topping up with water until the watermelon is tender and the liquid has reduced to a syrup.
  7. Cut into bite-size pieces and serve on a small plate with a cake fork.

 

Cariema’s Tips:

If you can’t get your hands on slaked lime powder, then omit it, but increase the bicarbonate of soda to 3 Tbsp (45 ml). It will not compromise the taste.

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