Belizean Genovesi

Ingredients

In the Belizean adaptation of Genovesi, the traditional Italian flavors are replaced with tropical ingredients commonly found in Belizean cuisine. The original Italian Genovesi typically features a pastry crust filled with ricotta cheese and lemon cream. In the Belizean version, the ricotta cheese is substituted with a creamy coconut and pineapple filling, adding a tropical twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Genovesi, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) pineapple juice 1/2 cup (120ml) pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
• 4 egg yolks 4 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (20g) shredded coconut, toasted (for garnish) 1/4 cup (20g) shredded coconut, toasted (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 37g (Sugar: 16g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, pineapple juice, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
4. 4.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the filling cool to room temperature.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter.
7. 7.
   Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a generous amount of the coconut and pineapple filling onto each circle.
8. 8.
   Fold the dough circles in half, sealing the edges with a fork. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
10. 10.
    In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
11. 11.
    Once the Genovesi have cooled, pipe or spoon the whipped cream onto each pastry. Sprinkle with toasted shredded coconut for garnish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut milk — Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy filling.
• Pineapple juice — Use freshly squeezed pineapple juice for the best flavor.
• Shredded coconut — Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown for a delicious nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced tropical flavor, add a teaspoon of lime zest to the filling.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the amount of sugar in the filling to your taste.
• Serve the Belizean Genovesi chilled for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
• If you don't have a round cookie cutter, you can use a glass or a jar with a similar diameter to cut out the dough circles.
• To save time, you can use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch.

Serving advice

Serve the Belizean Genovesi as a delightful dessert after a Belizean-inspired meal. Dust the pastries with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Belizean Genovesi on a platter, garnished with fresh pineapple slices and mint leaves. The golden crust and creamy filling will make for an enticing display.