Aunt Carrie’s Famous Indian Pudding Recipe
Welcome to Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding recipe, a comforting and traditional New England dessert that embodies the flavors of fall. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple at family gatherings and holidays. I am thrilled to share the recipe with you today and cannot wait for you to experience the warmth and nostalgia that comes with every bite.
Growing up in South County, Rhode Island, Aunt Carrie’s restaurant was a local favorite, known for its delicious seafood and classic New England dishes. However, it was the Indian Pudding that kept people coming back for more. This recipe is a testament to the restaurant’s history and the flavors that define the region.
Indian Pudding is a baked custard made with cornmeal, milk, molasses, and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. It is a simple yet satisfying dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or looking for a comforting dessert on a cool autumn night, this recipe is sure to impress.
So, grab your ingredients and let’s get started. I promise you won’t be disappointed with this classic New England treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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If you’re a lover of traditional New England recipes, then Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding is the perfect dessert for you. This recipe embodies the flavors of fall and is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of cornmeal, milk, and molasses creates a baked custard that’s rich in flavor and texture.
This pudding recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple dish at the Aunt Carrie restaurant in Narragansett, RI. It’s so iconic that it has even been featured in James Beard’s American Eats Recipes.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can make a dessert that’s sure to impress. Another reason is its versatility. You can serve it warm or cold, and it pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream.
This Indian pudding recipe is also perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving dessert or a cozy night in, this pudding will be a hit. It’s a dish that brings people together and is sure to become a family favorite.
Not to mention, this recipe is a great way to indulge in a classic, old-fashioned dessert without having to spend hours in the kitchen. With a slow cooker, you can have this pudding ready in no time.
In summary, Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding is a traditional New England recipe that embodies the flavors of fall. It’s a simple yet versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. And with its rich history and iconic status, this pudding recipe is a must-try for all dessert lovers.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding. This recipe embodies the flavors of fall and is a traditional New England dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Here are the ingredients that you will need for this delicious comfort food:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 egg
This recipe calls for basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and milk. But what sets it apart is the combination of molasses and spices like cinnamon and ginger. These ingredients give the pudding its distinct flavor that is perfect for the cooler months. Make sure to use yellow cornmeal, as it’s an essential ingredient in this recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish
Preheat the oven to 300°F. Take a 2-quart baking dish and grease it with butter.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, mix 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, 1/4 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Step 3: Heat the liquids
In a saucepan, heat 3 cups of milk, 1 cup of molasses, and 1/4 cup of butter together over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Combine ingredients and eggs
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the saucepan of hot liquids, whisking constantly until it thickens. Beat 2 eggs in a separate bowl, then add a small amount of the pudding mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly. This will temper the eggs and prevent them from cooking. Add the egg mixture back to the saucepan of pudding and stir well to combine.
Step 5: Bake the pudding
Pour the pudding mixture into the greased baking dish. Bake for 2-3 hours or until the pudding is set and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Serve the Indian Pudding warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy the comfort food that embodies the flavors of fall and is a traditional New England recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
While Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding recipe is a classic New England comfort food, there are some substitutions and variations you can make to add your own twist to this dish.
Firstly, you can try using different types of milk, such as almond or coconut milk, instead of regular milk. This can make the pudding lighter and add a different flavor profile to the dish. Additionally, you can try using different types of molasses, such as blackstrap molasses or honey, to adjust the sweetness level of the pudding.
For those who are gluten-free, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. You can also experiment with the spices by adding some nutmeg or cardamom to the mix, or adjusting the amounts of cinnamon and ginger to suit your taste buds.
If you are looking to make this recipe vegan, you can replace the egg with a vegan egg substitute or omit it altogether. You can also use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Another variation is to add fruits like apples, raisins or berries to the pudding mixture before baking. This can add a fruity twist to the classic dish and make it even more indulgent.
Lastly, you can serve the Indian pudding with different accompaniments. While the traditional way is to serve it with vanilla ice cream, you can also try serving it with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Overall, there are endless possibilities to customize Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding recipe to your liking. Just remember to keep the essence of this classic New England dessert intact while experimenting with different flavors and ingredients.
Serving and Pairing
Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding is a classic New England dessert that embodies the flavors of fall. This creamy and comforting pudding is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in.
To serve the pudding, I recommend scooping it into individual bowls while it’s still warm. This will allow the pudding to maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor. For an extra touch of indulgence, top each bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm pudding and cold ice cream is simply divine.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try pairing the Indian Pudding with other fall-inspired desserts. A warm apple pudding or a comforting corn pudding would complement the flavors of the Indian Pudding perfectly.
For a more traditional approach, you can serve the pudding alongside a slice of warm bread pudding. The combination of the two puddings is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a savory pairing, I recommend trying the Indian Pudding with a spicy dish like red chile enchiladas. The heat from the enchiladas will balance out the sweetness of the pudding and create an unforgettable culinary experience.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding is a beloved New England dessert that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding is a perfect dessert to make ahead of time. You can easily make this pudding a day or two before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify. Once baked, the pudding can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to three days.
To reheat the pudding, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the pudding and cover it with a new layer of foil. Place the pudding in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, if you have a slow cooker, you can reheat the pudding on low for 2-3 hours.
If you have leftover pudding, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the pudding and prevent it from drying out.
I recommend serving Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The ice cream slowly melting over the pudding is a match made in heaven. This comfort food dessert will take you back to the traditional New England recipe that embodies the flavors of fall. It’s a perfect Thanksgiving dessert or a special treat for any occasion.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to achieve the perfect Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding recipe, here are some tips that might help you. This recipe embodies the flavors of fall with its cinnamon and ginger spices and the sweetness of molasses. It is a traditional New England recipe that has been passed down through generations and is still served in Aunt Carrie’s restaurant in Narragansett, RI.
Firstly, it is important to use yellow cornmeal instead of white for this recipe. Yellow cornmeal will give the Indian pudding its signature golden color and a slightly sweet flavor. It is also essential to slowly stir the cornmeal into the boiling water to avoid lumps forming.
Secondly, when adding the molasses, it is advisable to use unsulphured molasses. This type of molasses has a milder taste and will not overpower the other flavors in the pudding.
Thirdly, make sure to preheat the oven before baking the pudding. This will ensure that the pudding cooks evenly and doesn’t burn on the edges.
Fourthly, use room temperature milk when adding it to the mixture. Cold milk can cause the butter to solidify and create lumps.
Fifthly, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture to enhance the flavor of the pudding.
Sixthly, if you don’t have an oven, you can also cook the pudding in a slow cooker. Simply pour the mixture into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the pudding is set.
Lastly, serve the Indian pudding warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream will create a delicious contrast to the warm pudding.
By following these tips, you can achieve a perfect Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding that will transport you to New England with every bite.
FAQ
Now that you know how to make Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding recipe, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions. Below are some tips and tricks to ensure your Indian Pudding comes out perfect every time.
What is Indian pudding made of?
The dish I want to talk about is a delightful baked custard that has a wonderful blend of flavors. The recipe calls for cornmeal, milk, molasses, and cinnamon, and it’s a dessert that is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Why is it called Indian pudding?
According to Wall, the well-known dessert known as Indian pudding is actually an entirely American creation. Despite its name, the “Indian” in Indian pudding actually refers to the use of Native American cornmeal in the recipe. The original version of this classic dish was most likely made with just cornmeal, milk, and molasses, and was cooked over a long period of time by boiling or steaming. This dish is considered to be one of the earliest examples of a truly American recipe.
Where is Indian pudding from?
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of autumn with a classic New England recipe – Indian Pudding. This dessert, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon, is a perfect way to savor the flavors of the season. But before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a trip down memory lane and discover the history behind this beloved dessert.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding recipe is the perfect comfort food for fall and winter. This traditional New England recipe embodies the flavors of the season and will surely satisfy your cravings for a warm and delicious dessert. With its creamy texture, rich molasses flavor, and hints of cinnamon and ginger, this pudding recipe is sure to become a family favorite for generations to come.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or enjoying it as a weeknight treat, this Indian Pudding recipe is versatile and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a dessert that will impress your guests and leave everyone feeling satisfied.
So the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting, give Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding recipe a try. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it on its own. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Aunt Carrie’s Indian Pudding Recipe
"Rich, subtly spiced with cinnamon and ginger, and sweet with molasses, this dessert is a version of the pudding that has been served at the venerable Rhode Island clam shack Aunt Carrie’s since it opened, in the 1920s." – Saveur
- 3 cups milk, divided
- 2 cups water, hot
- 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/4 cups molasses
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- vanilla ice cream, as much as you like
- Heat oven to 350°F Grease an 8" × 8" baking dish; set aside.
- Put 2 cups of the milk and 2 cups hot water into a medium pot and bring just to a boil. Slowly pour in cornmeal while whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium and cook, whisking constantly, until very thick, 12-14 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in remaining butter. Set cornmeal mixture aside.
- Whisk together molasses, flour, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and egg in a large bowl. Pour molasses mixture into cornmeal mixture while whisking constantly. Transfer batter to prepared baking dish; pour remaining milk evenly over batter.
- Bake, rotating once, until pudding is set but still soft and a skin has formed over the top, about 1 hour. (If pudding gets too dark while baking, tent with foil.).
- Set pudding aside to let cool to room temperature. Spoon pudding into bowls and top with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
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