Curau
Brazilian Sweet Corn Pudding
A beloved creamy sweet corn pudding, a staple during Brazilian June festivals. This dessert features the natural sweetness of corn, enriched with milk, butter, and a hint of cinnamon.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 ears Fresh corn kernels
- 500 ml Whole milk(Can substitute with a mix of milk and coconut milk for variation.)
- 150 g Granulated sugar(Adjust to your preferred sweetness.)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- to taste Ground cinnamon
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the corn: Carefully cut the kernels off the 6 ears of fresh corn. Aim to get as close to the cob as possible without cutting into the cob itself.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Blend the corn and milk: In a blender, combine the fresh corn kernels with 500 ml of whole milk. Blend on high speed until the mixture is as smooth as possible, about 2-3 minutes. You want to break down the corn kernels thoroughly.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Strain the mixture: Pour the blended corn and milk mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a large bowl or pot. Use a spoon or spatula to press down on the solids, extracting as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining pulp. This step ensures a smooth pudding texture.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Cook the curau: Transfer the strained liquid to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the granulated sugar and unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Thicken the pudding: Stir the mixture constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens considerably. It should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape for a few seconds when you draw a line through it with your finger. This process typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent scorching.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 6
Serve: Once thickened, remove from heat. You can serve the curau warm immediately, or pour it into individual serving dishes or a larger bowl. Allow it to cool slightly before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm and cold. The texture will continue to set as it cools.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Garnish: Before serving, generously dust the top of the curau with ground cinnamon.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use the freshest corn possible for the best flavor and sweetness.
- ✓The consistency should be thick and creamy, similar to a very thick custard.
- ✓Curau is a traditional dessert enjoyed during the June Festivals (Festas Juninas) in Brazil.
- ✓Stirring constantly during cooking is crucial to achieve a smooth texture and prevent sticking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with full-fat coconut milk.
- Add 1/2 can (approx. 200g) of sweetened condensed milk along with the sugar for an extra sweet and creamy version.