Custard Melkkos

Custard Melkkos Recipe from Ghana | Sago, Milk, Eggs, Custard Powder & More

Region / culture: Ghana | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Custard Melkkos is a traditional South African dessert that is creamy, comforting, and perfect for a cold winter's night. This dish combines the richness of custard with the heartiness of sago, creating a delicious and satisfying treat.

History

Custard Melkkos has its roots in South African cuisine, where it is often enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack. The dish is believed to have been influenced by Dutch and Malay cooking traditions, which have had a significant impact on South African food culture.

Ingredients

200 g sago
2.5 liters milk
2 eggs
60 ml water
30 g custard powder
2 ml salt
15 ml butter/margarine
cinnamon sugar

How to prepare

Soak the sago in the milk for approximately one hour.
Gradually bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, using a heavy-based saucepan.
Stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning and simmer until the sago becomes soft and transparent.
Separate the eggs. Beat together the egg yolks, water, custard powder, and salt.
Add the custard mixture to the milk mixture and simmer until thick, stirring often.
Add the butter or margarine.
Beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry.
Stir a small amount of the stiffly beaten egg white into the hot melkos until well mixed.
Gently fold the remaining egg white into the mixture using a metal spoon.
Pour the custard melkkos into a heatproof serving dish, generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and serve immediately.

Variations

Add a splash of vanilla extract to the custard mixture for extra flavor.
Top the melkkos with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for a fruity twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the sago frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- When adding the custard mixture to the milk, be sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps forming.

- Folding the beaten egg whites into the custard mixture gently will help to keep the melkkos light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

Custard Melkkos can be served warm or cold, and is delicious on its own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect Custard Melkkos is to cook the sago until it is soft and transparent, and to whisk the custard mixture constantly to avoid lumps.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sago, you can use tapioca pearls as a substitute. You can also use butter instead of margarine in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Custard Melkkos is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sago and custard mixture ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Custard Melkkos in individual ramekins or bowls for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Pairing Recommendations

Custard Melkkos pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Custard Melkkos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Custard Melkkos contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Custard Melkkos contains approximately 40g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Custard Melkkos contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Custard Melkkos contains approximately 6g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Custard Melkkos is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Custard Melkkos contains dairy (milk, eggs) and gluten (custard powder).

Summary

Custard Melkkos is a rich and creamy dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a satisfying treat for those looking for a sweet indulgence.

Summary

Custard Melkkos is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its creamy custard and soft sago, this dish is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Custard Melkkos. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in South Africa. My grandmother had invited me to spend the weekend with her, and as always, she had a delicious meal planned for us to enjoy together.

As we sat down at the table, my grandmother placed a steaming bowl of Custard Melkkos in front of me. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, and I couldn't wait to dig in. As I took my first bite, I was immediately transported back to my childhood, when my grandmother would make this dish for me whenever I was feeling under the weather.

I asked her where she had learned to make Custard Melkkos, and she smiled as she told me the story. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations of women in our family, each one adding their own special touch to make it truly unique.

My grandmother's version of Custard Melkkos was simple yet delicious. She combined milk, flour, sugar, and eggs to create a creamy custard, which she then poured over a bed of crispy cinnamon-sugar coated noodles. The result was a comforting and satisfying dessert that never failed to warm my soul.

Over the years, I have continued to make Custard Melkkos for my own family, always thinking of my grandmother and the love and care she put into every dish she made. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, and it has become a beloved tradition in our household.

I have also had the opportunity to learn new variations of Custard Melkkos from different people I have met along the way. One friend taught me to add a splash of vanilla extract to the custard for an extra layer of flavor, while another suggested sprinkling crushed almonds on top for a crunchy texture.

No matter how I choose to make Custard Melkkos, one thing remains constant - the memories and traditions that come with each bite. It is a dish that brings people together, evoking feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and joy.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Custard Melkkos with my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that has been passed down to me. It is a reminder of the strong women who came before me, and the legacy they have left behind in the form of a simple yet delicious dessert.

So, the next time you find yourself craving a warm and comforting treat, I urge you to give Custard Melkkos a try. Let its rich history and timeless flavors transport you to a place of love and connection, just as it has done for me time and time again. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be passing down this cherished recipe to your own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions for generations to come.