Ginataang Mais
Ginataang Mais is a treasured Filipino sweet porridge that marries corn kernels, glutinous rice, and coconut milk into a soul-warming dish. The name itself reveals its essence: "ginataan" meaning cooked in coconut milk, and "mais" meaning corn. Unlike its firmer cousin Maja Blanca, this dish offers a comforting porridge-like consistency reminiscent of rice congee. Its beauty lies in simplicity—just four ingredients transform into a versatile creation that serves equally well as breakfast, midday snack, or dessert. Hearty enough to fuel physical work yet gentle enough to soothe as comfort food, Ginataang Mais embodies Filipino culinary wisdom where humble ingredients yield extraordinary satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 4 cups coconut milk
- ½ cup glutinous rice malagkit
- 1 cup whole kernel corn fresh or canned
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine coconut milk and glutinous rice in a cooking pot and place over medium heat. Bring the coconut milk to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and stir the mixture regularly to prevent the glutinous rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Continue cooking until the rice is tender, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Add the whole kernel corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the sugar until completely dissolved. Cook for 2 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Transfer to serving bowls and enjoy warm or chilled.
Tips from Lola's Kitchen
- For creamier results: Use fresh coconut milk rather than canned whenever possible
- Perfect rice texture: Wash the glutinous rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch
- Sweet corn tip: When in season, use fresh sweet corn kernels cut directly from the cob for the best flavor
- Stirring technique: Stir frequently but gently to prevent the rice from sticking while maintaining a nice texture
- Sweetness control: Adjust the sugar to your preference - some prefer it less sweet to appreciate the natural corn flavor
- Serving suggestion: Try topping with a small sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for added texture
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!