This Sweet Polenta "Kamby He'é," also known as Mbaipy he'é, is a humble but beloved Paraguayan dessert enjoyed throughout the country and beyond. Made from simple ingredients like cornmeal, water, sugar or molasses, and spices, it is a dish that is easy to prepare yet full of flavor. Traditionally, Kamby He'é is served as a snack or after-dinner dessert, often accompanied by a hot cup of yerba mate, a popular herbal tea in Paraguay. It is a dish that speaks to the heart of Paraguayan cuisine, known for its hearty and satisfying meals meant to unite people.
One of the key ingredients in Kamby He'é is cornmeal, a staple food in Paraguay and other parts of South America. The cornmeal is boiled in water until it thickens and then sweetened with sugar or molasses to give it a delicious, caramel-like flavor. Adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla adds warmth and depth to the dish, making it a delight for the senses.
Despite its humble origins, Kamby He'é has gained popularity recently and is now enjoyed by people worldwide. Its simple yet comforting flavors make it a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you are looking for a sweet treat after a meal or a snack to share with friends and family. So why not try this delicious Paraguayan dessert and discover a new favorite dish?
What is Sweet Polenta?
Sweet Polenta is a popular Paraguayan dessert made from cornmeal, milk, sugar, and other ingredients such as cinnamon and vanilla extract. It has a soft, porridge-like consistency and is sweetened with sugar or molasses, making it a delicious after-dinner treat or snack. Sweet Polenta is also known as "Kamby He'é" or "Mbaipy he'é" in Paraguay. It can be served warm or cold and is often sprinkled with cinnamon or topped with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Quaker yellow cornmeal: The recipe's main ingredient provides the polenta's base.
- Whole milk: Used to cook the cornmeal and create a creamy texture in the polenta.
- Granulated sugar or molasses: Adds sweetness to the polenta. The amount used can be adjusted to taste.
- Lime or orange peel: Adds a subtle citrus flavor to the polenta.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor to the polenta.
- Cinnamon stick: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the polenta.
- Cinnamon powder: Used as a garnish to add cinnamon flavor and a sprinkle of color on top of the polenta.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Sweet Polenta
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Bring the milk to a simmer: Bring the milk with the sugar, cinnamon stick, and lime peel to a brisk boil over medium-high heat. Pour the cornmeal into the hot milk. Then, while whisking gently, pour the cornmeal into the simmering milk in a steady stream. Continue whisking until the sweet polenta is thickened. Turn down the heat to low and continue whisking until the polenta has softer porridge-like polenta for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Substitutions
- Cornmeal: If you don't have Quaker yellow cornmeal, use other types, such as white or blue. However, the texture and flavor of the polenta may be slightly different.
- Whole milk: You can use other types of milk, such as skim or 2%, but the texture of the polenta may be less creamy.
- Sugar or molasses: You can use other sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, but the flavor of the polenta will be different.
- Lime or orange peel: You can omit this ingredient if you don't have it, or use lemon peel instead for a similar citrus flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract: You can use vanilla bean or vanilla paste instead for a more intense vanilla flavor.
- Cinnamon stick: You can use ground cinnamon instead, but the flavor may differ slightly.
- Cinnamon powder: This is an optional garnish so that you can omit it.
Variations
- Coconut Polenta: Replace the whole milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist on the classic recipe. Add shredded coconut and a dash of coconut extract for even more flavor.
- Chocolate Polenta: Add cocoa powder and chopped dark chocolate to the polenta while cooking for a rich and indulgent dessert. You can also add a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Polenta: Replace the lime or orange peel with lemon zest for a tangy and refreshing twist on the recipe. Serve with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a summery dessert.
- Maple Polenta: Replace the sugar or molasses with maple syrup for a sweet, comforting breakfast or brunch dish. Serve with sliced bananas and toasted pecans for added crunch.
How to Serve
Sweet Polenta can be served as a delicious and comforting breakfast or as a dessert. To serve as a breakfast dish, top the warm Polenta with fresh berries, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. For a dessert, serve the Polenta warm or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder.
You can also garnish the Polenta with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor. Finally, sweet Polenta can be enjoyed alone or with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying and indulgent treat.
How to Store
To store Sweet Polenta, first, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, cover the surface with a piece of plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the polenta to prevent skin from forming. Refrigerate the dish for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days. This will keep your Sweet Polenta fresh and ready to enjoy whenever desired.
Make-Ahead
Sweet Polenta is a great make-ahead dessert. After preparing, simply chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious treat conveniently whenever you like.
Tips for Making The Best Sweet Polenta
- Use good quality ingredients: Use high-quality cornmeal, full-fat milk, and pure vanilla extract for the best results. The quality of the components will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the finished dish.
- Whisk constantly: When adding cornmeal to the simmering milk, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Pouring the cornmeal into the milk in a steady stream while whisking gently is important.
- Adjust consistency: The consistency of the Sweet Polenta can vary depending on personal preference. Add some hot milk to loosen it up if it's too thick. You can cook it longer to thicken it up if it's too thin.
- Add flavorings: Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add an extra layer of flavor to the Sweet Polenta. You can also add orange or lime peel or a splash of liquor for a more complex flavor.
- Cool and chill: After cooking, let the Sweet Polenta cool to room temperature before chilling it in the refrigerator. This will help it set and firm up, making it easier to portion out and serve.
FAQ
My polenta is lumpy. What should I do?
Ensure you whisk continuously while adding cornmeal to the simmering milk to prevent lumps. If lumps form, you can use a fine-mesh sieve or a hand blender to smooth the texture.
The polenta is too thin. How can I thicken it?
Cook it a bit longer on low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also add more cornmeal if needed, but do it gradually to avoid over-thickening.
My Sweet Polenta is too thick. What's the solution?
Add a small amount of milk and stir until the desired consistency is achieved. Be cautious not to make it too thin; adding more liquid is easier than fixing an overly thin mixture.
I don't like cinnamon. Can I omit it from the recipe?
Certainly, you can omit the cinnamon stick or reduce the amount of cinnamon according to your preference. The recipe is adaptable to your taste.
I ran out of whole milk. Can I substitute with a different type of milk?
You can use other types of milk, such as skim or almond milk, but remember that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Can I use lemon zest instead of lime or orange zest?
You can substitute lemon zest for lime or orange zest with a different citrus flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of Sweet Polenta to my liking?
You can either increase or decrease the amount of sugar or molasses in the recipe to suit your desired level of sweetness. Taste and adjust as needed during the cooking process.
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Recipe
Easy Sweet Polenta
Ingredients
- 250 g Quaker yellow cornmeal
- 950 ml whole milk , plus additional for adjusting consistency
- 125 g granulated sugar or Molasses to taste
- 1 strip of lime or orange peel
- 1 teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Cinnamon powder , to taste
Instructions
- In a heavy large saucepan, stir to combine the milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and lime zest. Bring to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal.
- Bring the milk to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, occasionally stirring until the polenta mixture is smooth and cooked for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the Sweet Polenta from heat, transfer the corn mixture into dessert dishes, and sprinkle with cinnamon powder. Cool the polenta to room temperature, then press a piece of plastic wrap onto the surface and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days..
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.