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Poudine maïs
Poudine maïs: Mauritian baked pudding of fine maize meal, milk, vanilla and raisins
Grandmothers in Mauritius made poudine maïs from whatever the pantry held, which is why it is still sold by the square in snack shops and at village fairs for a few rupees. Fine yellow maize meal is cooked in sweetened vanilla milk until thick, then baked until the top is freckled brown and the inside sets like a soft, sliceable custard with a faint grainy bite. It is eaten at room temperature or cold from the fridge with a cup of tea, never hot. Lumps are the usual problem, and they come from tipping the maize into hot milk all at once. Chef's tip: whisk the maize meal into the milk while it is still cold, then heat it slowly, and the pudding will be perfectly smooth.
- Total time
- 60 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 9
Ingredients
- 4 ¼ cups whole milk
- 5 ½ oz sugar
- 1 ⅜ oz butterplus a little for the dish
- 2 eggsbeaten
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 ¾ oz raisins (optional)
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (325°F fan) and butter a 20 × 20 cm baking dish.
Step 2: Pour 4 ¼ cups whole milk into a saucepan and whisk in 5 ½ oz fine yellow maize meal (fine polenta) and 5 ½ oz sugar while the milk is still cold.
Step 3: Set over a medium-low heat and stir constantly with a whisk, then a wooden spoon, until it thickens like porridge and the spoon leaves a trail that slowly closes.
12 minStep 4: Take off the heat and beat in 1 ⅜ oz butter, 2 tsp vanilla extract and ¼ tsp ground nutmeg. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then beat in 2 eggs quickly so they don't scramble, and stir in 1 ¾ oz raisins.
5 minStep 5: Pour into the dish and smooth the top. Bake until set and golden brown on top, with only a slight wobble in the centre.
35 minStep 6: Cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 250 kcal
- Protein
- 7 g
- Carbs
- 37 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fibre
- 1 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does poudine maïs take?
- About 60 minutes in total: 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 9 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegetarian?
- Yes. It has no meat or fish.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of whole milk?
- Semi-skimmed milk with 1 tbsp cream per 240ml (1 cup).
- What can I use instead of sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
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