Brazilian Canjica (Corn Pudding)

Brazilian Canjica (Corn Pudding) is a delightful dessert that brings a taste of Brazil right into your kitchen. As you prepare this creamy dish, you’ll discover the magic of combining simple ingredients into something truly special. This recipe is not just a typical cooking project; it’s a journey into the heart of Brazilian culture. Whenever I whip up a batch of canjica, it fills my home with a cozy vibe and warm scents that remind me of family gatherings and happy memories. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive occasion, Brazilian Canjica (Corn Pudding) offers a comforting sweetness that everyone loves. You’ll find it’s perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into making this rich, aromatic dessert that’s sure to impress!

Why This Recipe Works

Brazilian Canjica (Corn Pudding) stands out for its creamy texture and rich flavors. The soaking method is key, as it softens the corn, allowing for even cooking. When combined with various milks and spices, each ingredient adds depth to the overall flavor profile. You’ll experience a wonderfully indulgent dessert that seems far more complex than the ingredients suggest.

Why You’ll Love This Brazilian Canjica (Corn Pudding)

This cherished Brazilian dessert is a true labor of love. Each spoonful takes you back to fond memories, with its comforting, sweet aroma enveloping you in a sense of home. The creamy blend of coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk results in a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Brazilian Canjica isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience that you’re bound to cherish with family and friends alike.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried white corn canjica kernels
• 4 cups water for soaking
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Preparing Your Brazilian Canjica (Corn Pudding)

Rinsing the Corn

Let’s kick things off! Start by rinsing those dried corn kernels under cold water. This simple step helps remove any impurities, ensuring your canjica is clean and ready to shine in your dish.

Soaking the Corn

Now, place the rinsed corn in a large bowl and cover it with 4 cups of water. Let it soak overnight or, if you’re short on time, for at least 8 hours. Soaking the corn is crucial for achieving that perfect texture, making the cooking process much easier later on.

Boiling the Corn

Once your corn has soaked, drain it and transfer the kernels to a large pot. Add 4 cups of fresh water, then bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 60-90 minutes. The goal here is to cook the corn until it’s tender. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking. Add more water if needed—you want it to simmer gently.

Combining Milks and Spices

When the corn is nice and tender, drain any excess water from the pot, but leave some moisture. Now, it’s time to add the magic! In the same pot, mix in the milk, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, along with the cinnamon stick and cloves. Stir everything together, making sure each kernel gets coated in that luscious, creamy goodness.

Simmering the Mixture

Next, place the pot back over medium heat, giving it a gentle stir very often. You want to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This stage allows the corn to soak in those rich flavors from the milks and spices, creating an aroma that’ll make your mouth water.

Adding Sugar

After about 15 minutes of simmering, it’s time to sweeten the deal. Add sugar and make adjustments based on your taste preference. Stir constantly for another 10 minutes; during this time, the canjica will thicken beautifully to a creamy consistency. This is when you start to see how delicious it’s going to be!

Incorporating Coconut

For an added layer of texture and flavor, stir in shredded coconut. This little step enhances sweetness and provides a pleasant chewiness that nicely complements the creamy pudding.

Final Touches

Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all those fantastic flavors to meld together. Don’t forget to remove the cinnamon stick and cloves at this stage! Give the canjica a taste and adjust the sweetness if you feel it needs it.

Serving the Canjica

Once you feel it’s just right, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. You can serve Brazilian Canjica warm or at room temperature. Dish it out into bowls and sprinkle with ground cinnamon on top for that final flourish!

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Brazilian Canjica warm for a comforting dessert that will truly resonate with the heart. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or can be served chilled as a refreshing treat. Either way, it’s bound to be a hit!

Tips for Success

• Soaking the corn overnight really makes a difference in texture.
• Stir often while simmering. This keeps it from scorching.
• Taste as you go to get that perfect sweetness balanced just for your preference.

Variations

Feel free to make this canjica your own! Here are a few fun ideas:
– Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
– Try experimenting with other spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, to bring a unique twist.
– For a lighter version, simply use less coconut milk.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers, store your canjica in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It may thicken a bit when cooled, but it can still be enjoyed either chilled or gently reheated.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen corn instead of dried canjica kernels?
A1: While dried corn gives the best texture, you can use frozen corn but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.

Q2: How long does Brazilian Canjica last in the refrigerator?
A2: When stored properly, it can last up to 4-5 days.

Q3: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A3: Certainly! Just substitute regular milk with plant-based options like almond or oat milk and use agave syrup in place of condensed milk.

Q4: Is it necessary to add sugar?
A4: The sugar is optional. Feel free to reduce or skip it based on your taste preference.

Q5: Can Brazilian Canjica be served cold?
A5: Absolutely! It can be enjoyed chilled and still delivers a delicious dessert experience.

Brazilian Canjica (Corn Pudding) is truly a gem in the dessert world—bringing comfort, nostalgia, and a burst of flavor to any occasion. As you explore this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe, you’ll find that it’s a wonderful way to fill your home with warmth and joy. Enjoy this creation and the sweet memories it’s sure to ignite!

Print