Maizena is a widely used ingredient in many Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. It is a type of cornstarch that is easy to use and can be a great addition to many dishes. Maizena is versatile and can be used as a thickener, a binder, or a coating. It can also be used in desserts like custards and puddings. In this article, we will share some of the best recipes using Maizena.
Recipe 1: Maizena Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 cup of Maizena
1/2 cup of unsalted butter
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1 egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. 3. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, Maizena, and baking powder. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough is formed. 6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 7. Flatten the balls with a fork. 8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. 9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
These Maizena cookies are delicious and easy to make. One serving of two cookies contains approximately 180 calories, 10 grams of fat, 21 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein.
Recipe 2: Maizena Arepas
Ingredients
2 cups of pre-cooked white cornmeal
1 cup of Maizena
2 cups of warm water
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, mix together the pre-cooked white cornmeal, Maizena, and salt. 2. Slowly add the warm water to the mixture and stir until a dough is formed. 3. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth. 4. Divide the dough into 8 equal parts and roll each part into a ball. 5. Flatten each ball into a disk shape, about 1/2 inch thick. 6. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. 7. Cook the arepas for 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. 8. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, avocado, or meat.
Nutrition
These Maizena arepas are a popular dish in many Latin American countries. One serving of two arepas contains approximately 200 calories, 4 grams of fat, 37 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein.
Recipe 3: Maizena Pudding
Ingredients
4 cups of milk
1 cup of Maizena
1/2 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Cinnamon powder for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, mix together the Maizena and sugar. 2. Add a cup of milk to the mixture and stir until it forms a smooth paste. 3. In a saucepan, heat the remaining 3 cups of milk over medium heat. 4. Once the milk starts to steam, slowly add the Maizena mixture to the saucepan and whisk continuously. 5. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes. 6. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. 7. Pour the mixture into a large serving bowl or individual cups. 8. Let the pudding cool to room temperature and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. 9. Garnish with cinnamon powder (optional) and serve.
Nutrition
This Maizena pudding is a creamy and delicious dessert. One serving contains approximately 200 calories, 4 grams of fat, 34 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of protein.
Conclusion
Maizena is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Whether you're making cookies, arepas, or pudding, Maizena can add a unique flavor and texture to your dish. Try out these recipes and enjoy the delicious taste of Maizena!