Ever since I participated in the Muy Bueno Cookbook Spotlight and Cook-Off several months ago I have had Mexican food on the brain. If I don’t make it from scratch I can order it from a fantastic little Mexican restaurant a few blocks from my house so whenever the urge hits me I know I have my bases covered. I don’t remember my mother ever cooking anything that resembled the Mexican dishes that we now love, and it wasn’t until the 1980’s that a good restaurant was built in my neighborhood. Chevy’s Mexican Restaurant was my first exposure to Mexican food beyond the most familiar dishes , and although I haven’t eaten there in years…not sure if they are still around… I still enjoy one of their regular menu items: Sweet Corn Tomalito. I always ordered extra because the portions were very small and it was my favorite side with any entree.
If you occasionally get tired of the usual beans and rice you might like this alternative. Tomalito is a sweet, thick corn pudding with lots of texture and corn flavor. I have added little spoonfuls to tacos and enchiladas and sometimes add a small scoop to a bowl of chili. It is delicious with scrambled eggs and homemade tortillas for a quick breakfast or lunch. The pudding is done when it is just set and you don’t see moisture on the surface. I cooked my recipe for about 55 minutes with the double boiler tightly covered with foil and the lid. It’s best served when it is made, but it does reheat well if you have leftovers.
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¼ cup masa harina
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons milk
- In a medium bowl, mix together the butter, masa flour and sugar until light and fluffy. In a food processor or blender, blend one cup of the corn kernels with the water and cornmeal just until smooth. Stir into the masa mixture. Mix in the remaining corn, baking powder, salt and milk until the batter is smooth. Pour into a double boiler.
- Place the tomalito over a large saucepan of simmering water, and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Steam for about 60 - 75 minutes, or until barely firm. Check water occasionally and refill if necessary. Stir pudding before serving to give it a consistent texture. Serve in small scoops.
I know what you mean. Momma only cooked the things that my aunts taught her to cook. I don’t think I ever had anything Mexican until I was married and away from home.
Looks wonderful.
I was lucky eough to be brought up on great Tex-Mex food. My grandmother made the most delicious tamale pie that I hope to one day recreate. This recipe looks like a great side dish for many main dish recipes like carne guisada, yum. I can’t wait to give it a try Cathy. My family is gonna love it.
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Mercy, that looks good Cathy! We have a Tex/Mex place that makes wonderful steamed corn pudding. They serve it in a little hammock of corn husk. It is my favorite thing on the plate every time!!!
xo Kris
Growing up in Texas, I do miss good Mexican food. I don’t think I have ever seen this dish before…it sounds great.
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I never make it…You are inspiring..:-)
You do post recipes that I enjoy trying. I’m crazy about anything with the flavors in this one.
I’ve never had this, but it looks divine! It does remind me of corn pudding, which I am very familiar with. We never had Mexican food at my house growing up, but I have it frequently now.
I have never had or made any corn pudding like this…I would love to taste it.
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I was lucky to have Mexican food when I was growing up and I still love it today! I also like Chevy’s but have not been there in years—your post today makes me hungry:)
Blessings,
Aimee
This sounds very yummy.
I don’t think I’ve met a corn dish that I didn’t want to try! And your tomalito is no exception! What a great side for a Mexican entree!!!
this sounds like just what we need around here right now. so warm and delicious!
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I never tried this special dish before: it must taste lovely & well flavoured too! Thanks, I learned someting new to make! MMMM!
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I am back to the blogger world and it feels real good. Always enjoyed my visits here. This recipe looks and sounds fantastic.
Rita
Do you know something, Cathy, ever since I got my first Vegetarian Epicure cookbook in college I have wanted to make corn pudding but never have in all of these years. You have tempted me now with this luscious looking recipe!
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