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Colombian Milk Pudding

Serves 4 to 6 Dessert vegetarian, Desserts

Colombian Milk Pudding

Colombian Milk Pudding, known locally as 'Manjar Blanco,' is a beloved dessert often enjoyed at home gatherings and family celebrations. This treat is a staple at any Colombian table, offering comfort and sweetness after a hearty meal. The recipe, passed down through generations, reflects the essence of Colombian home cooking, where ingredients are measured by feel and intuition rather than scales, and the table is always set for sharing.

The pudding is a smooth and creamy delight, with the richness of milk and the sweetness of sugar perfectly balanced by the subtle aroma of vanilla. It has a silky texture that melts in the mouth, leaving a gentle, lingering sweetness. Best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature, this dessert embodies the warmth and hospitality of a Colombian home, where food is a shared experience and flavors are deeply cherished.

Ingredients

  • 1 Lmilk
  • 100 gsugar
  • 40 gstarch
  • 1 tspvanilla

Method

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 liter of milk and 100 grams of sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves completely. This will take a few minutes, and you should see the milk begin to steam slightly but not boil.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 40 grams of starch with a few tablespoons of the warm milk from the saucepan to create a smooth slurry. This step ensures that the starch dissolves completely and prevents lumps from forming in your pudding.
  3. Gradually add the starch slurry back into the saucepan with the milk and sugar mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The pudding is ready when it thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon, about the texture of a light custard.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will infuse the pudding with a warm, aromatic flavor. Ensure the vanilla is fully incorporated by stirring thoroughly.
  5. Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a large serving bowl. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools, reaching a firm yet creamy texture.
  6. Once chilled, the Colombian Milk Pudding is ready to serve. It should be smooth and set, with a delicate wobble when the dish is gently shaken. Serve it cold, as is traditional, and enjoy the creamy, sweet flavors with family and friends.
Cover of Authentic Colombian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Colombian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Colombian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Colombian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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