Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we are uncovering the secrets of a dessert that has captured hearts all across Brazil: Cassava Pudding, or as some call it, “Pudim de Mandioca.” This recipe isn’t just delicious; it carries a unique regional flair that makes it truly special. Get ready for a flavorful journey that will delight your family and friends. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide and transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert.
Ingredients for Cassava Pudding:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for the caramel)
- ½ cup water (for the caramel)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1.1 lbs (500g) cooked cassava (yuca), drained
- ½ cup shredded coconut
Instructions:
- Start by making the caramel: combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of water in a saucepan.
- Stir constantly over medium heat until it turns into a golden amber caramel. Be careful not to let it burn. Carefully pour the caramel into a fluted pudding mold or cake pan, coating the bottom and sides.
- While the caramel cools in the mold, prepare the eggs. To avoid an “eggy” flavor, remove the membrane from the yolks.
- In a blender, combine the eggs, 1 ½ cups of milk, and the can of sweetened condensed milk. Blend until smooth.
- Add the cooked cassava to the blender gradually, blending until you have a perfectly smooth, homogeneous cream.
- Stir in the shredded coconut by hand. Pour the mixture into the prepared mold over the hardened caramel.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 70 minutes.
- Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the pudding is done. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tip:
To ensure your pudding doesn’t have an eggy taste, make sure to remove the yolk membrane and blend the batter for at least four minutes. The final consistency should be very smooth, ensuring a creamy and delightful dessert.
Prep and Cook Time:
The total time to prepare this Cassava Pudding is approximately 2 hours, including baking and chilling.
Servings:
This recipe yields a medium-sized pudding, serving 8 to 10 people, depending on slice size.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that cassava (also known as yuca) is an incredibly versatile ingredient in Brazilian cuisine? Beyond desserts, it’s a staple in savory dishes, such as the famous fried yuca.
This Cassava Pudding recipe honors the tradition of using simple, wholesome ingredients to create something extraordinary. It is the perfect blend of tradition and flavor, ideal for ending any meal on a sweet note.
Bom apetite!