Filipino-American Cornmeal Porridge

Ingredients

While the original Romanian Mămăligă is typically served as a side dish or accompaniment to savory stews, the Filipino-American adaptation transforms it into a delicious and satisfying porridge. The addition of coconut milk and pandan gives it a distinct Filipino flavor profile, and the choice of toppings adds a touch of sweetness and texture. We alse have the original recipe for Mămăligă, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (240ml) cornmeal 1 cup (240ml) cornmeal
• 3 cups (710ml) water 3 cups (710ml) water
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pandan extract 1/2 teaspoon pandan extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Toppings: crispy bacon, toasted coconut flakes, fresh mango slices Toppings: crispy bacon, toasted coconut flakes, fresh mango slices

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 15g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
2. 2.
   Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
3. 3.
   Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   In a separate saucepan, heat coconut milk, sugar, pandan extract, and salt until sugar is dissolved.
5. 5.
   Slowly pour the coconut milk mixture into the cornmeal mixture, stirring continuously.
6. 6.
   Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the porridge reaches a thick and creamy consistency.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
8. 8.
   Serve the porridge in bowls and top with crispy bacon, toasted coconut flakes, and fresh mango slices.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to gradually whisk it into the boiling water to prevent lumps from forming.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Pandan extract — If pandan extract is not available, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the water with coconut water.
• Experiment with different toppings such as crushed peanuts, sliced bananas, or drizzles of caramel sauce.
• Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar.

Serving advice

Serve the Filipino-American Cornmeal Porridge warm in bowls. It can be enjoyed as a comforting breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a unique dessert.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, arrange the toppings in an artful manner on top of the porridge. The vibrant colors of the crispy bacon, toasted coconut flakes, and fresh mango slices will make the dish look enticing.