Canjica

Canjica or mugunzá is a sweet Brazilian dish made with dry white maize kernels. It is usually cooked in milk and resembles a pudding or a porridge. Traditionally, Brazilians spice it with cinnamon and grated coconut, and occasionally, with condensed or coconut milk.

Even though the dish is popular and commonly eaten in all parts of Brazil, it is known under two different names. In the north of Brazil it is usually called mugunzá, and in the south, it is known under the name canjica. A similar dish from the northern parts of Brazil which also carries the name canjica, or curau, is made with the same ingredients, but with a slightly different method of preparing – the juice of unripe maize is cooked with milk and sugar, which results in a yellow, custard-like dessert.

Regardless of the regional name differences, this sweet Brazilian pudding is a national favorite that is enjoyed throughout the year. However, it is usually associated with Festa Junina, the annual Brazilian festivity celebrated throughout June, marking the end of harvest season and the beginning of Brazilian winter.