Canjica (Mungunzá)

• Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 12 hours soaking)

• Cook time: 1 hour

• Total time: 13 hours 15 minutes

• Servings: 8 bowls

• Country of Origin: Brazil

Description

Canjica (known as Mungunzá in northeastern Brazil) is a rich, warm corn porridge made from white hominy corn simmered with milk, coconut milk, condensed milk, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Presentation

Ladle warm into deep bowls, topped with a dusting of cinnamon powder, toasted crushed peanuts, or shredded coconut.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (300 g) dried white hominy corn (canjica)

• 6 cups water (for pressure cooking)

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 5 whole cloves

• 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, crushed (optional)

Directions

• Rinse the white hominy corn thoroughly and soak in cold water for at least 12 hours.

• Drain the soaked corn, place it into a pressure cooker with 6 cups of fresh water, and cook on high pressure for 35 to 40 minutes until tender.

• Release pressure naturally, then open the cooker and drain any excess water.

• Add the whole milk, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to the tender corn in the pot.

• Cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture turns creamy and thickens.

• Stir in crushed roasted peanuts during the last 5 minutes of cooking if desired.

• Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves before serving warm.

Optional Variations

• Paçoca Canjica: Stir in 4 crumbled paçoca (Brazilian peanut candy) discs at the end of cooking for intense peanut sweetness.

• Spiced Vanilla Canjica: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a grating of fresh nutmeg.

Cooking Tips

• Do not skip the overnight soak; white hominy corn requires long hydration to soften properly in the pressure cooker.

• If the porridge thickens too much as it cools, stir in a splash of warm milk to restore its creamy texture.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 54 g

• Protein: 7 g

• Fat: 9 g

• Saturated Fat: 5.5 g

• Sodium: 80 mg