Indian Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert made with cornmeal, milk, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s sweet and cozy, perfect for chilly days!
This dish is like a hug in a bowl! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s such a simple and delightful treat that always brings back fond memories!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornmeal: Yellow cornmeal gives this pudding its signature texture and flavor. If cornmeal isn’t available, you can use polenta. It might change the flavor slightly, but it’ll still work well!
Milk: Whole milk provides creaminess, but you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Just be mindful that this may slightly alter the pudding’s richness.
Dark Molasses: Dark molasses is crucial for the unique flavor. If you don’t have it, try using light molasses or even honey or maple syrup, though the taste will be a bit different.
Spices: Ground cinnamon adds warmth. I love mixing in a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra flavor. If you don’t have these, feel free to skip them, but they do enhance the taste!
How Do I Ensure the Pudding Sets Perfectly?
Making sure your pudding sets properly is key, and here’s how to do it:
- Stir constantly while whisking in the cornmeal to prevent lumps. A gentle simmer is best for thickening.
- Make sure to gradually pour the molasses mixture into the cornmeal while whisking to avoid cooking the eggs too quickly.
- Using a bain-marie (water bath) helps cook evenly; just check the water level during baking to keep it consistent.
Following these steps will give you a lovely, smooth pudding with a perfect texture. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Indian Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup dark molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional garnish: a few pumpkin seeds or nuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Indian Pudding will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake. After baking, allow it to cool slightly before serving. In total, you’ll spend just a little over an hour and a half, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This step is important to get everything cooking nicely right from the beginning!
2. Heat the Milk:
In a medium saucepan, pour the whole milk and warm it over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil!
3. Add the Cornmeal:
Gradually whisk in the yellow cornmeal into the warm milk, stirring constantly to keep things smooth and lump-free. Stir until the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Then, take it off the heat!
4. Mix the Molasses Mixture:
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the dark molasses, packed brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s well combined and smooth.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, slowly pour the molasses mixture into the warm cornmeal porridge, whisking continuously. This helps to ensure the eggs don’t cook too quickly. Keep stirring until everything is fully blended.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Pour your batter into a greased baking dish or individual ramekins. For even cooking, place the dish(es) in a larger pan and fill it with hot water halfway up the sides of your baking dish—this is called a bain-marie!
7. Bake:
Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. You’re looking for it to be set and have a beautifully browned and caramelized top. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle a few pumpkin seeds or nuts on top for a lovely garnish!
9. Serve the Pudding:
Serve your Indian Pudding warm. For an extra treat, add a scoop of cream or vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy every bite of this warm, comforting dessert!
This classic Indian Pudding is rich in flavor, creamy, and serves as a delightful dessert that warms the heart. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative, but the flavor will differ slightly. If you choose a sugar alternative, make sure it has a similar sweetness level to achieve the desired taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Indian Pudding?
Leftover Indian Pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Just ensure the alternative doesn’t contain added sugars or flavors that might change the pudding’s taste.
What Should I Serve With Indian Pudding?
This dish is delicious on its own, but serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream elevates it even more. A sprinkle of nuts or pumpkin seeds also complements its flavors nicely!
