Cuscuz de Milho (Sweet Cornmeal Couscous)
Equipment
- steamming pot
Ingredients
- ½ cup good quality yellow coarse cornmeal
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water plus extra to fill the pot
- ⅓ cup coconut milk
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup condensed milk for both a dairy-free and vegetarian version, omit this ingredient and add coconut milk*
- 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
- Ground cinnamon to sprinkle*
- *These ingredients are not part of the traditional recipe. They reflect my personal tastes.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the cornmeal with the salt; then add the water little by little, mixing well with your hands. Let rest for about 5 minutes. Grease with butter both the couscous strainer plate and sides of the pot that are above the line (this will help couscous to be unmolded much easier).
- Fill the bottom of the couscous pan with water (to a level slightly beneath the groove where the strainer plate rests); then place the strainer plate into the pot, fill the remainder of the pot above the strainer plate with the couscous mixture, and cover. Tip: Please, do not press wettened couscous down or it won't be cooked evenly.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let cook for 3 - 5 minutes more (if cornmeal is pre-cooked), or 8 - 10 minutes (if cornmeal is not pre-cooked). Remove from heat and let cool down a bit, covered.
- Meanwhile, mix both milks with sugar and the coconut flakes, stirring well. Reserve. If you wish, heat a bit the milk mixture before pouring it over cooked and unmolded couscous.
- Remove couscous from pan, pulling it out by its aluminum stick (use gloves for this). Invert onto a plate, separating the couscous from the strainer plater with a butter knife. Pour the liquid mixture over the couscous and sprinkle cinnamon. Serve immediately. Yield: 1 cornmeal couscous that serves 2-4 people.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.