Colombian Natilla (Cinnamon Milk Custard)
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The History Of Natilla
Natillas came to South America with the Spaniards. A milk-based custard, the Spanish version is thickened with egg yolks and sweetened with sugar.
This recipe first appeared in the region of Antioquia, where the recipe was adapted to the most common ingredients in Colombia. Corn flour became the common thickener, and its color darkened due to the use of panela.
Later, this recipe was extended through the Colonization of Antioquia to other regions of the country, and already with the addition of other ingredients.
Natilla And Buñuelos
Natilla and buñuelos are iconic Christmas food in Colombia.
Both desserts are served as one.
You take a bite of the cold natilla and a bite of the crispy, fluffy, savory buñuelo.
And, because natilla is a very firm custard, these two desserts are enjoyed as finger food.
Christmas In Colombia
The weather during Christmas in Colombia is hot, so many of the activities are outside.
Nine days before December 25th, the Novenas (prayer time) begin. This is a time when people gather to pray and sing Christmas carols.
The last novena is December 24th. That night, people gather together with family and friends to enjoy Christmas dinner that consists of chicken, lechona (a pork dish), potatoes, and tamales. And for the dessert table, some hojaldre (pastries), natilla, and buñuelos.
At the end of the dinner (usually midnight), a toast is made, and Christmas greetings are exchanged.
The 25th is a day used for resting and visiting friends and family.
Festivities continue until January 6th. When kids get to open presents and remember the wise men who brought presents for baby Jesus.
Variations Of Natilla
There are a few variations for making natilla. There is a dark variation and a light-colored one.
Lighter natilla is made with white sugar or sweetened condensed milk. To this natilla, some people add shredded coconut to the milk and once the custard is cold, is served with a sprinkle of more shredded coconut and a dollop of blackberry jam.
Our recipe is for the darker version.
My Natilla Recipe
I use a mixture of panela and brown sugar to sweeten my natilla recipe.
Panela (also called piloncillo) gives this dessert a caramel-like flavor and color. If you don't have it, you can use muscovado sugar (or even more brown sugar) instead.
You start by simmering whole milk with sugar and some cinnamon sticks for a few minutes.
This makes your house smell amazing!
If you like, you can add some cloves too.
While the milk is simmering, mix cornstarch with cold milk. You'll need to pour this slowly while whisking the milk, so it doesn't clump.
Once you added all the cornstarch mixture, stir the mixture constantly so the bottom doesn't burn.
The custard will be thick and will set quickly.
Once your custard is done, turn off the heat and add some raisins and butter. Stir and pour it into a round or square pan.
This custard needs to refrigerate for about 2 hours to set up completely.
To serve, tip the natilla onto a plate and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
Colombian Natilla (Cinnamon Milk Custard)
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup shredded panela or dark muscovado sugar (or more brown sugar)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, over low heat, simmer 2 cups of milk, sugars and cinnamon sticks for 5 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks.
- In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and 1 cup of milk.
- Turn the heat to medium-high and add the cornstarch mixture. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Lower the heat and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir constantly so that the cornstarch doesn't clump.
- Turn off the heat. Add the raisins and butter. Mix well and pour into a 9-inch round pan. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, sprinkle with some ground cinnamon.
Lizet is Bolivian and lives in Paraguay. Through friends and travel she has developed her love of food. From Africa to Asia, Europe to the Americas, there is always something new to try when you come to dinner. You can find more of Lizet's tasty creations on her website ChipaByTheDozen.com. You can also find her on Instagram and Facebook.
Love natilla learned how to make whenI lived in beautiful Colombia
I added coconut flakes to this recipe it is a great combination. Thank you!
What a delicious addition! Thanks for sharing!
is the butter unsalted or salted butter? thank you
that's my plate
We'll save one for you Jay! 🙂