Corn Maja Recipe 🌽🥥
Overview:
Corn Maja, also known as “Merienda” in the Philippines, is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for a snack or as a sweet treat anytime. This Filipino dish combines the sweetness of corn with the creaminess of coconut milk, creating a rich and satisfying dessert. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious Corn Maja in no time!
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: Varies (until thickened)
- Total Time: Approximately 10 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 668 per serving
- Cuisine: Filipino, Asian
- Difficulty: Easy
- Keywords: Corn, Vegetable, Filipino, Asian, Dessert, < 15 Mins, Easy
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of corn kernels
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 cups of shredded coconut (for toasting and serving)
- 1 piece of coconut (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Toast the Shredded Coconut
- Toast Coconut: Start by toasting the shredded coconut in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the coconut turns light brown and becomes fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes. Once toasted, set aside for later use as a topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn Maja Mixture
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Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, coconut milk, and sugar. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
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Strain Mixture: Pass the mixture through a strainer to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency. This step helps remove any lumps and ensures a silky texture for your Corn Maja.
Step 3: Cook the Corn Maja
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Cook Over Low Heat: Transfer the strained mixture to a saucepan or pot. Place it over low heat on the stove.
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Constantly Stir: Continuously stir the mixture as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking. This process helps thicken the mixture and develop its flavors.
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Cook Until Thickened: Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This may take about 5-7 minutes, depending on your stove’s heat and the desired thickness.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
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Transfer to Casserole: Once the Corn Maja has thickened, pour it into a 1 ½-quart casserole dish or any serving container of your choice.
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Allow to Cool: Let the Corn Maja cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows it to set and firm up slightly.
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Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut over the top of the Corn Maja for added texture and flavor. Optionally, you can garnish with coconut flakes or fresh coconut shavings for an extra touch of tropical goodness.
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Enjoy: Serve your delicious Corn Maja as a delightful dessert or snack. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, or simply indulging in its creamy goodness all by yourself!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 668 kcal
- Total Fat: 38.1g
- Saturated Fat: 33g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 23.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 84g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugar: 53.2g
- Protein: 6.7g
Tips and Variations:
- Variation: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cinnamon to the Corn Maja mixture.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
- Presentation: Serve the Corn Maja in individual ramekins or dessert cups for an elegant presentation. Top each serving with a sprinkle of toasted coconut and a decorative coconut flake for a visually appealing finish.
- Texture: Adjust the consistency of the Corn Maja by cooking it for a shorter or longer time. For a thicker texture, cook it longer until it reaches your desired thickness. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the mixture in a blender before cooking.
- Garnish: Get creative with your garnishes! Try topping the Corn Maja with fresh fruit slices, such as mango or pineapple, for a burst of color and freshness.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the tropical flavors of the Philippines with this delightful Corn Maja recipe. With its creamy coconut milk base and sweet corn kernels, this dessert is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a midday snack or a post-dinner treat, Corn Maja is a versatile and delicious addition to any menu. So gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of this irresistible Filipino dessert today!