The mysterious origin of Dulce de Leche, the popular confectionary of South America
Originating in Latin America, Dulce de Leche is a beloved dessert ingredient that translates to 'sweet milk' in Spanish. This caramel-like confection is made by slowly heating sweetened condensed milk until it transforms into a rich, creamy and sweet spread that can be used in a wide variety of desserts. It's no wonder that Dulce de Leche has captured the hearts of people all over the world. However, the origin of this delicious dessert remains a mystery till date with some claiming it was discovered by the cooks of French emperor Napoleon in 1804, while others tell a different tale. Let us delve deep into the history of Dulce de Leche while exploring its various iterations. So, grab a spoon and get ready to indulge in this delectable treat!
The history of Dulce de Leche
People have different ideas about where Dulce de Leche originally came from. Some say that it was discovered by Napoleon's cook in 1804, while others think it was first made in Indonesia and then brought to the Philippines around the 16th century. The Spanish then found it in the Philippines and took it back to Spain. They later brought it with them to the Americans. However, one of the most interesting stories about the origin of Dulce de Leche comes from Argentina. Legend has it that a maid working for an Argentinian politician named Juan Manuel de Rosas accidentally left a pot of milk and sugar on the stove for too long. When she returned, she found that the milk had turned into a thick, sweet, brown sauce. Interestingly, the first historical record of Dulce de Leche appears in a document from 1829 that talks about a peace meeting between Juan Manuel de Rosas and one of his political enemies. So, no matter where it came from, Dulce de Leche is a delicious treat indeed.
Variations of Dulce de Leche
The Latin American countries such as Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru all claim to have invented Dulce de Leche, but only Argentina and Uruguay use the name. In 2003, Argentina made an unsuccessful attempt to have UNESCO declare Dulce de Leche as a cultural heritage of Argentina as Uruguay also claimed it as a gastronomical heritage of the Río de la Plata region. Despite the origin debate, Dulce de Leche has become a beloved treat in many countries worldwide with each nation having its own unique version. In Argentina, the recipe traditionally includes milk, sugar, vanilla and baking soda, whereas Uruguay prefers a simple blend of just milk and sugar. In Chile, it is known as ‘manjar’ and can feature butter infused with cannabis. Meanwhile, in Peru, it is also called ‘manjar’ and boasts of a lighter colour. Colombia offers a variation similar to the traditional Argentinian recipe and is known as ‘arequipe.’
Dulce de Leche in desserts
Dulce de Leche is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of desserts. One popular dessert that features Dulce de Leche is flan. It is a creamy and rich custard that is baked in caramel sauce. Dulce de Leche can also be used to make cakes, cookies and pastries. It can be used as a filling for cupcakes, a topping for ice cream, or a drizzle over fresh fruit. Some people even enjoy Dulce de Leche straight out of the jar with a spoon! While it's easy to find Dulce de Leche at the grocery store, making it at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. All you need is a can of sweetened condensed milk and some patience. However, there are several methods of whipping it up, including stovetop cooking, slow-cooker cooking or pressure cooker cooking.