Classic Maja Blanca Recipe

Origin of Maja Blanca

Maja Blanca is a famous dessert that Filipinos love to make. Its name originates from the word majas, which was one of the most popular names in the 18th and 19th centuries of Spanish society, known for their fashion and sense of style. They were favorite subjects of Spanish painters.

This dessert is actually an adaptation of a Spanish dish called manjar blanco (blancmange), but it has become unique by using different ingredients. Instead of almond milk as the main ingredient, Maja Blanca is made of coconut milk.

When is Maja Blanca Typically Served?

You can never miss this dessert on a Filipino table during family gatherings and special occasions like fiestas, birthdays, and holidays such as Christmas. This is one of the most sought-after desserts after meals, and some even skip the meal because of its sweet jelly texture and delicious toppings.

Needed Kitchen Utensils to Make Maja Blanca

To make this dessert, you will need a mixing bowl for combining all ingredients before transferring them to the cooking pot. Use a spatula to continuously stir the mixture until you reach your desired thickness. Once done, turn off the heat and transfer the mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with your preferred toppings, and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, let it continue to set in the fridge for an hour. Lastly, use a utility knife to cut the Maja Blanca into serving sizes.

Maja Blanca’s Primary Ingredient – Coconut Milk

Maja Blanca is made primarily of coconut milk. Since the Philippines is a tropical country, you can see coconut trees everywhere, making coconut milk very available and affordable.

Coconut milk comes from the flesh of a brown coconut fruit. It has a rich and creamy texture and can be thick or thin, depending on how it is processed. Note: Do not confuse coconut milk with coconut water. Coconut water is mostly found in immature coconut fruits. Unlike coconut water, coconut milk does not occur naturally. It is made by grating coconut flesh, mixing it with water, and straining it through cheesecloth. You may do the process once to get thick milk or twice for thin milk.

Aside from Maja Blanca, coconut milk is also a common ingredient in other recipes, whether it be stew or soup. It is a tasty alternative to cow's milk and offers health benefits that can help with body composition and metabolism.

Interesting Fact

Interesting fact! Unlike coconut water, which is 94% water, coconut milk is 50% water. This vegetable drink contributes to making you feel full and has a high calorie content.

Here are some more interesting facts about coconut milk:

• Rich in Nutrients: Coconut milk is rich in vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6, as well as iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
• Healthy Fats: It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known to boost metabolism and provide a quick source of energy.
• Lactose-Free: Coconut milk is a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy.
• Versatile Ingredient: It can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory curries and soups to sweet desserts like Maja Blanca.
• Antioxidant Properties: The antioxidants in coconut milk can help protect the body from harmful free radicals.
• Hydration: While not as hydrating as coconut water, coconut milk still provides a good amount of hydration due to its water content.

These facts highlight the nutritional benefits and versatility of coconut milk, making it a valuable ingredient in many recipes.

Tips

One common issue when making the perfect Maja Blanca is when it gets too runny or soupy. To avoid this problem, mix the cornstarch, sugar, condensed milk, and coconut milk together, then bring the mixture to a boil, instead of mixing the cornstarch and water at the latter part.

Make sure to use a medium-low setting when cooking this dessert. If the temperature on your stovetop is too high, it will burn the coconut cream mixture.

Maja Blanca can last in the fridge for 3-4 days and can still be enjoyed with the same sweet taste.

If you are a business-minded person, Maja Blanca is a perfect snack for selling. Its ingredients are usually already in your pantry and can easily be bought at any nearby store. Another great advantage of this dessert is its affordability. With a low cost, you can make a large number of servings from one mixture of ingredients, making it ideal for business.

You can sell Maja Blanca in school canteens, as its suggested selling price is student-friendly. Alternatively, you can sell it online using social media platforms, which is a practical way of selling goods nowadays. This dessert can be sold per slice or in tubs and platters for special occasions.

You can even customize it by adding ingredients of your choice, such as your preferred toppings. Options include cheese, ground peanuts, corn, or anything that complements the dessert. Maja Blanca is indeed a yay and is definitely a great addition to your menu!