White Hominy Pudding: A Comforting Taste of Tradition

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when simple, humble ingredients are coaxed into something truly sublime. For me, that magic is embodied in White Hominy Pudding. I remember my grandmother, a woman whose kitchen was the heart of our home, preparing this dish on cool, crisp autumn afternoons. The aroma of simmering milk and cinnamon would fill every corner, a comforting promise of warmth and sweetness. It wasn’t just food; it was an experience, a tangible connection to generations past, served in a deep ceramic bowl that had seen countless family gatherings. This pudding, with its unique texture and subtly sweet, milky flavor, is a testament to the enduring power of classic recipes.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: Overnight (for soaking) + 15 minutes
• Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (plus soaking time)
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 large pot
• Dietary Type: Can be adapted for dairy-free diets with milk substitutions.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb (approximately 227g) Goya white hominy corn
• 2 quarts (approximately 1.9 liters) whole milk (see variations for dairy-free options)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup (approximately 200g) sugar

Equipment Needed

• Large, heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Fine-mesh sieve or colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon or whisk
• Optional: Immersion blender (for a smoother texture)

Instructions

1. The journey to a perfect White Hominy Pudding begins the day before. Take your 1/2 lb of Goya white hominy corn and place it in a bowl. Cover generously with cold water. Allow the hominy to soak overnight. This crucial step softens the corn kernels, preparing them for the gentle simmering to come.

2. The next day, drain the soaked hominy using a fine-mesh sieve or colander. Rinse the hominy thoroughly under cold running water to remove any residual soaking liquid.

3. Transfer the rinsed hominy to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. This type of pan is essential for even heat distribution and preventing the milk from scorching.

4. Pour 2 quarts of whole milk into the saucepan with the hominy. Add the 1 cinnamon stick to the liquid.

5. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Be watchful, as milk can boil over quickly.

6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered. Continue to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You’re looking for the hominy kernels to become soft. This process can take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on your stovetop and the hominy itself.

7. As the hominy simmers, the liquid will naturally evaporate. If you notice the liquid evaporating too rapidly and the hominy is not yet tender, you can carefully add boiling milk to maintain the desired consistency and continue the cooking process.

8. Once the hominy is tender, it’s time to sweeten the pudding. Stir in the 1 cup of sugar. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens. This thickening occurs as the starches from the hominy are released and the liquid reduces further. This might take another 15-20 minutes of gentle simmering.

9. Once the pudding has reached your desired thickness and the flavors have melded beautifully, remove the cinnamon stick.

10. Your White Hominy Pudding is ready to be enjoyed. It can be served hot or cold, offering a delightful textural and temperature contrast depending on your preference.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Hominy Quality Matters: While Goya is a reliable brand, selecting good quality white hominy will ensure a better final texture. Look for plump, whole kernels.
• The Power of the Heavy Pot: Do not underestimate the importance of a heavy-bottomed saucepan. It’s your best defense against burnt milk and uneven cooking, which can easily ruin a delicate pudding.
• Stirring Discipline: Consistent, gentle stirring is key. Think of it as a calming ritual rather than a chore. It prevents the bottom from sticking and ensures the starches are released evenly, contributing to the creamy texture.
• Achieving Creaminess: If you prefer a smoother pudding, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the hominy kernels once they are tender, before adding the sugar. Be careful not to over-blend if you still want some texture.
• Sweetness Adjustment: The 1 cup of sugar is a guideline. Depending on your personal preference and the natural sweetness of the hominy, you might find yourself adjusting it slightly. Taste as you go, especially after adding the sugar and allowing it to dissolve.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

White Hominy Pudding is wonderfully versatile in its presentation. For a warm, comforting dessert, serve it immediately after cooking in individual bowls. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds a lovely aromatic touch. For a cooler, perhaps even more refreshing treat, allow it to cool completely and then chill it in the refrigerator. It can be served spooned into small ramekins or even sliced if it has thickened sufficiently.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy leftover pudding, it can be gently reheated on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwaved in short intervals until warmed through. It can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	273 kcal	14%
Total Fat	8.4 g	11%
Saturated Fat	4.6 g	23%
Cholesterol	24.4 mg	8%
Sodium	105.5 mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	42.7 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	38.6 g	77%
Protein	8.7 g	17%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and milk fat content.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of White Hominy Pudding lies in its adaptability. For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with a good quality unsweetened non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly as different non-dairy milks can behave differently when heated. For an added depth of flavor, consider infusing the milk with other spices like a few cloves or a strip of orange peel during the simmering process. A touch of vanilla extract, added at the end of cooking, can also elevate the aroma and taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned hominy instead of dried?
A: While the recipe calls for dried hominy, you could potentially use canned hominy, but you would skip the overnight soaking step. Drain and rinse the canned hominy very well. Be aware that the texture might be softer and require less cooking time to become tender.

Q: My pudding seems too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: If your pudding is still too thin after the sugar has dissolved, continue to simmer it gently, stirring constantly. The natural starches in the hominy will continue to release and thicken the mixture. You can also create a slurry of a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water and whisk it into the simmering pudding, cooking until thickened.

Q: Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes, White Hominy Pudding is an excellent make-ahead dessert. It actually benefits from chilling as the flavors meld and the texture firms up.

Q: What is the best way to remove the cinnamon stick?
A: Simply fish it out with a spoon before serving or storing the pudding.

Q: Is this pudding very sweet?
A: The recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar for 2 quarts of milk and half a pound of hominy. You can adjust the sugar to your personal preference by tasting as you cook.

Final Thoughts

There’s a profound comfort in recreating dishes that speak of heritage and home. White Hominy Pudding, with its unique texture and gentle sweetness, is one such treasure. It’s a dish that asks for a little patience but rewards you tenfold with its heartwarming embrace. I encourage you to embark on this culinary journey, to let the aromas fill your kitchen, and to savor each spoonful of this delightful pudding. It pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea. Share it with loved ones, and let it become a cherished memory in your own kitchen.