(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...A comforting Honduran classic made from toasted ground corn simmered with cinnamon, cloves, and brown sugar in milk. This centuries-old farmhouse drink delivers deep nutty sweetness with gentle warming spice in every sip.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings4
Yield4 mugs
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 320 kcalCalories
- 9 gFat
- 4.5 gSaturated Fat
- 56 gCarbs
- 2 gFiber
- 30 gSugar
- 12 gProtein
- 130 mgSodium
- 400 mgPotassium
- 300 mgCalcium
- 1 mgIron
- 0 mgVitamin C
- 140 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the Roasted Corn Base
- 1 cup finely ground roasted corn flour (masa de maiz tostado)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of fine sea salt
For Sweetening and Finishing
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar or grated piloncillo
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Extra ground cinnamon, for dusting
Directions
- If starting from whole dried corn, toast 1 cup of dried kernels in a dry skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking often, until deep amber and fragrant; cool slightly and grind to a fine powder in a blender.
- In a medium heavy saucepan, whisk together the milk, roasted corn flour, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, and salt until no dry clumps remain.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and warm the mixture slowly, whisking constantly, until it steams and just begins to bubble at the edges, about 8 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla, whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 4 to 5 more minutes, stirring often, until the drink is lightly thickened and silky.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice. For a thinner drink, whisk in a splash more milk.
- Ladle into warm mugs, dust with extra cinnamon, and serve immediately while hot.
Cook’s Notes
- Toast the corn yourself from dried kernels for the deepest, smokiest flavor; store-bought masa harina works in a pinch but tastes milder.
- Whisk constantly while heating to prevent lumps and keep the bottom from scorching.
- For an authentic Honduran touch, swap half the milk for water and serve in small cups as a light breakfast drink.
- Chill any leftovers and serve cold over ice with a splash of milk for a refreshing summer version.
- A tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a strip of orange peel added during simmering complements the cinnamon beautifully.
