Southern Indian Pudding
A comforting Southern Indian-inspired pudding with creamy hominy grits, aromatic cinnamon, sweet raisins, almonds, and vanilla—perfect for dessert or breakfast delight. Suits all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare grits in salted, boiling water as directed on package. Stir in sugar and butter.
- Add eggs, milk, and vanilla to the mixture.
- Fold in the raisins and chopped almonds.
- Pour into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
- Bake in a preheated slow oven at 325°F for approximately 50 minutes.
- Serve hot or cold, garnished with whipped topping if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the almonds or substitute them with sunflower seeds. Make sure to stir the grits continuously while cooking to prevent lumps. If you like a spicier flavor, adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the taste. This dish can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southern Indian Pudding warm or cold, topped with whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Dosas or can be enjoyed as a dessert after a spicy meal like Chicken Ceylon Style. For an extra touch, drizzle with honey or maple syrup and sprinkle additional cinnamon on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the pudding is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up before reheating. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Indian Pudding contains roughly 703 calories, with 17g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1081mg per serving (47% 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 use instant grits instead of hominy grits?
Yes, you can use instant grits, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Instant grits will cook faster, so keep an eye on the consistency to ensure it doesn’t become too thick.
What can I substitute for raisins in this recipe?
If you don't have raisins, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile. Both options will provide a nice sweetness and texture to the pudding.
Is this pudding suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Southern Indian Pudding is suitable for a vegetarian diet as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients except for eggs. If you need a vegan version, consider using flax eggs and a plant-based milk alternative.
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).