Little Indian Pudding(Recipe From Pioneer Days)
A warm, hearty Indian-inspired pudding featuring cornmeal, spices, and molasses, perfect for cozy gatherings and comforting dessert options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cornmeal and cold water in a bowl.
- Scald the milk in a saucepan.
- Add the cornmeal mixture to the hot milk, stirring to prevent lumps.
- Cook for 20 minutes or until thickened.
- Add salt, cinnamon, ginger, and molasses to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole or baking dish.
- Bake in a slow 325°F oven for at least 2 hours.
- Serve warm with heavy cream, vanilla ice cream, or hard sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of whole milk. You can also substitute dark brown sugar for molasses if needed, though it will alter the flavor slightly. Stir the cornmeal mixture continuously when added to the hot milk to avoid lumps. This dish is a great way to explore traditional Indian recipes with a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Little Indian Pudding warm, topped with heavy cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of hard sauce for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Vidalia Onion Souffle for a delightful contrast of flavors. Consider offering a side of spiced nuts or fruit compote to enhance the experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Little Indian Pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until warm. Adding a splash of milk can help restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little Indian Pudding(Recipe From Pioneer Days) contains roughly 637 calories, with 13g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1381mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Little Indian Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Little Indian Pudding a day in advance. Simply bake it, cool it completely, and refrigerate. Reheat before serving, adding a little milk if it seems dry.
What can I use as a sweetener instead of molasses?
If you don't have molasses, dark brown sugar is a suitable substitute, though it will provide a slightly different flavor profile. You can also try honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste.
Is there a gluten-free version of this pudding?
Yes, to make a gluten-free version, ensure that your cornmeal is certified gluten-free. The other ingredients in the recipe, such as milk and spices, are naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).