Mazzamorra

Mazzamorra Recipe from Peru | Corn, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Cloves

Region / culture: Peru | Preparation time: 24 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 10

Introduction

Mazzamorra is a traditional Colombian dessert made from fresh sweet corn, sugar, and spices. This creamy and sweet dish is a popular treat enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations.

History

Mazzamorra has been a staple in Colombian cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to indigenous tribes who used corn as a primary ingredient in their diet. Over time, the recipe evolved to include sugar and spices, creating a delicious and comforting dessert.

Ingredients

8 lb (3.63 kg) of fresh sweet green corn - husked, shucked and ground
3 cups of brown sugar diluted in 2 cups of water or 2 cups of coarse white cane sugar, diluted sparsely
1 tsp of fresh cinnamon
0.5 tsp of fresh cloves
1 medium thick cheese cloth

How to prepare

Preparation: After separating the corn, thoroughly wash it.
Using an electric food processor, preferably with a shredding or grounding blade, grind the corn.
Transfer the ground corn into a large colander lined with cheesecloth.
Allow it to stand over a large container for 24 hours to collect the drippings.
Remove and reserve the clear liquid for later use.
Let the remaining liquid settle, then combine it with cinnamon, white sugar, and cloves.
Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches the desired thickness.
Once it has thickened to a gelatin-like consistency, let it cool on a cooling rack.
Serve the corn mixture at room temperature or chilled, and garnish each serving with anisette sponge cookies.

Variations

Add raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Use coconut milk instead of water for a richer and creamier mazzamorra.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grind the corn finely to achieve a smooth texture in the final dish.

- Stir the mixture constantly while simmering to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

- Allow the mazzamorra to cool completely before serving to allow it to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Mazzamorra can be served as a standalone dessert or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Grinding the corn finely is essential for achieving a smooth texture in the final dish.

- Simmering the mixture over medium heat allows the flavors to meld together and the mazzamorra to thicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh sweet corn is not available, canned or frozen corn can be used as a substitute.

- Brown sugar or honey can be used in place of cane sugar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Mazzamorra can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve mazzamorra in individual dessert bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Mazzamorra pairs well with a cup of Colombian coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover mazzamorra in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of mazzamorra contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of mazzamorra contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, making it a sweet and satisfying dessert option.

Fats

Mazzamorra is a low-fat dessert, with only minimal amounts of fat per serving.

Proteins

While mazzamorra is not a significant source of protein, it does contain small amounts from the corn used in the recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Mazzamorra is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the fresh sweet corn used in the recipe. It provides essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

Mazzamorra may contain dairy if garnished with cheese or anisette sponge cookies, so individuals with dairy allergies should take caution.

Summary

Overall, mazzamorra is a nutritious and delicious dessert option that provides a good source of carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mazzamorra is a traditional Colombian dessert made from fresh sweet corn, sugar, and spices. This creamy and sweet dish is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other desserts. With its rich history and versatile flavor profile, mazzamorra is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a recipe for a traditional Colombian dish called Mazzamorra that a friend had passed down to me. I had never heard of it before, but the description of a creamy corn pudding with a touch of sweetness sounded absolutely delicious.

My friend had learned how to make Mazzamorra from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on. It was a recipe that had been in their family for generations, and now it was being passed on to me. I felt honored to have the opportunity to learn how to make such a treasured dish.

I invited my friend over to my kitchen so she could teach me the secrets of making Mazzamorra. As we gathered the ingredients and started cooking, she shared stories of her family and the memories they had created around this dish. It was clear that Mazzamorra held a special place in her heart, just as it would soon in mine.

The process of making Mazzamorra was surprisingly simple, yet the end result was a rich and comforting dish that was perfect for any occasion. The key was to use fresh corn and let it simmer slowly until it reached a creamy consistency. The addition of milk, sugar, and cinnamon gave it a unique flavor that was both familiar and exotic at the same time.

As the Mazzamorra cooked on the stove, the scent of corn and cinnamon filled the air, bringing back memories of my own childhood spent in the kitchen with my grandmother. She had been the one to teach me how to cook, passing down her own recipes and traditions to me. Now, I was continuing that legacy with this new recipe.

When the Mazzamorra was finally ready, we served it warm in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. The first spoonful was heavenly - creamy, sweet, and comforting all at once. I could understand why this dish had been cherished by my friend's family for so long.

From that day on, Mazzamorra became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when I needed a taste of home. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to my friend, her family, and all those who had come before me.

Years passed, and I continued to make Mazzamorra, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I shared it with friends and family, who all fell in love with its unique flavor and comforting texture. It became a dish that was synonymous with me, my kitchen, and the memories I had created around it.

Now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the joy that Mazzamorra has brought into my life. It's more than just a recipe - it's a link to the past, a connection to those who have come before me, and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a warm and comforting dish, give Mazzamorra a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be passing down this recipe to someone special in your own life, just like it was passed down to me.