Colombia is known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious food, and one of the country’s most popular desserts is natilla. Natilla is a sweet, creamy dessert made from milk, sugar, and other ingredients, and is typically served during the Christmas holiday season. If you’re looking to bring a taste of Colombia to your own kitchen, then you’ll love our authentic Colombian natilla recipe. This natilla recipe is easy to follow, and the rich, creamy texture of this dessert is sure to delight your taste buds.
What is Colombian Natilla?
Colombian natilla is a type of traditional sweet custard which is often served as a dessert in Colombia. It is made using fresh cow’s milk, sugar, butter, cinnamon sticks, cloves and vanilla extract, and the ingredients are slowly simmered over low heat until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. The result is a light and smooth yellow-colored custard which can be enjoyed hot, warm or cold. In Colombian homes, natilla is traditionally made during the Christmas season and is often served with ojuela, a type of crunchy brittle. It is also popular during various local festivals, especially those that take place in the countryside and rural areas.
Ingredients for Authentic Colombian Natilla
Our authentic Colombian natilla recipe requires just a few simple ingredients. You’ll need:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
You’ll also need a large pot and a wooden spoon to help stir the mixture as it simmers.
Instructions for Making Authentic Colombian Natilla
To make our delicious, creamy Colombian natilla, follow these simple steps:
- In a large pot, combine the whole milk, sugar, unsalted butter, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Stir to combine.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of the simmering mixture. Stir until smooth, then add the cornstarch mixture to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Remove the pot from the heat and discard the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Stir in the vanilla extract and let the natilla cool to room temperature.
- Once the natilla has cooled, transfer it to a serving dish and sprinkle with ground cinnamon for garnish.
Enjoying Your Colombian Natilla
Now that you’ve made your own authentic Colombian natilla, it’s time to enjoy this delicious dessert. Serve your natilla hot, warm or cold, depending on your preferences. It makes for a delicious and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. You can also serve it alongside traditional Colombian ojuela for an extra special treat. However you choose to enjoy your natilla, we hope this recipe brings a little taste of Colombia to your home. Enjoy!
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