RecipesColombiaMazamorra

Mazamorra

A traditional Colombian corn porridge made from tender white corn, simmered until soft and creamy, then served chilled with milk and a sweet panela syrup. It's a comforting and refreshing dish, especially popular in the Antioquia region.

Prep Time12 hours (soaking)
Cook Time3-4 hours
Total Time15-16 hours
Servings8
DifficultyEasy

🧂 Ingredients

  • 500g Dried white corn (maíz blanco)(Ensure it's a variety suitable for porridge, not sweet corn. Rinse thoroughly before soaking.)
  • for soaking and cooking Water(Enough to cover the corn generously.)
  • for serving Milk(Whole milk is recommended for richness. Can be dairy-free alternatives.)
  • for serving Panela syrup(Panela is unrefined whole cane sugar. Syrup can be made by dissolving panela in a little water and simmering until slightly thickened. Alternatively, use piloncillo syrup or a simple sugar syrup.)
  • pinch (optional) Salt(To enhance the corn flavor.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the dried white corn thoroughly under cold running water. Place the corn in a large bowl and cover it with plenty of fresh water (at least 3 inches above the corn level). Let it soak at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or overnight. The corn will absorb water and swell.

    ⏱️ 12 hours
  2. 2

    Drain the soaked corn and rinse it again. Transfer the corn to a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add fresh water to cover the corn by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

    ⏱️ 15 minutes
  3. 3

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the corn kernels are very tender, plump, and beginning to split open. You are looking for a creamy, porridge-like consistency. Add more hot water if the mixture becomes too thick during cooking.

    ⏱️ 3-4 hours
  4. 4

    Once the corn is tender and has a creamy texture, remove the pot from the heat. If desired, stir in a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Let the mazamorra cool slightly. For a smoother texture, you can mash some of the corn kernels against the side of the pot with a spoon.

    ⏱️ 10 minutes
  5. 5

    To serve, ladle the warm or cooled mazamorra into individual bowls. Pour cold milk over the top and drizzle generously with panela syrup. Stir gently before eating.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

  • The corn should be exceptionally soft and easily mashable. If it's still firm, continue cooking.
  • Mazamorra is traditionally eaten with a spoon, enjoying the creamy texture and sweet-savory balance.
  • This dish is a beloved part of Antioquian culinary tradition, often enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or light dessert.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the serving milk or sprinkle on top for added warmth and spice.
  • While traditionally served cold with cold milk, some enjoy a warm version, especially on cooler days.
  • For a richer flavor, a small amount of butter or a splash of heavy cream can be stirred in at the end of cooking.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving

CaloriesApprox. 180 per serving (without added milk/syrup)
Protein4g
Carbs38g
Fat2g
Fiber4g

🏷️ Tags

Mazamorra Recipe - Colombia | world.food