Recipes→Brazil→Curau (Brazilian Sweet Corn Pudding)

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.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Servings8
DifficultyEasy

πŸ§‚ 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

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³ Instructions

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 7

    Garnish: Before serving, generously dust the top of the curau with ground cinnamon.

    ⏱️ 1 minute

πŸ’‘ Pro Tips

  • βœ“Use the freshest corn possible for the best flavor and sweetness.
  • βœ“The consistency should be thick and creamy, similar to a very thick custard.
  • βœ“Curau is a traditional dessert enjoyed during the June Festivals (Festas Juninas) in Brazil.
  • βœ“Stirring constantly during cooking is crucial to achieve a smooth texture and prevent sticking.

πŸ”„ Variations

  • 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.

πŸ₯— Nutrition

Per serving

Caloriesapprox. 180-220 kcal per serving (depending on added sugar/fat)
Protein4g
Carbs32g
Fat6g
Fiber2g

🏷️ Tags

Curau (Brazilian Sweet Corn Pudding) Recipe - Brazil | world.food