Canjica (dish) facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Mugunzá, Chá de burro |
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| Type | Porridge |
| Place of origin | Brazil |
| Main ingredients | Canjica, milk, sugar and cinnamon |
Canjica, mugunzá or mungunzá are all names for a sweet Brazilian dish. It is a type of porridge often enjoyed during winter festivals in Brazil, especially in June. These celebrations are known as Festa Junina.
Contents
What is Munguzá?
Munguzá is a delicious and creamy Brazilian dessert. It is made from special white or yellow corn kernels. These kernels are cooked until they become very soft. The dish is usually sweet and warm, perfect for a cozy treat.
What's in This Sweet Treat?
The main ingredients for Munguzá are de-germed corn kernels. These are cooked with milk, sugar, and cinnamon. This mix gives the dish its sweet and fragrant taste. In some parts of Brazil, especially in the north, people also add coconut and coconut milk. Sometimes, a few cloves or roasted peanuts are added too. Other tasty additions can include more peanuts or sweetened condensed milk.
Where Do the Names Come From?
The name canjica is mostly used in central and southern Brazil. However, in the northern states, people often call this dish mugunzá. In the north, canjica means a different corn dish made from unripe corn juice. Both words, canjica and mugunzá, come from African languages. They come from the Kikongo and/or Kimbundu languages. In these languages, the words refer to similar porridges made from grains.
Munguzá Around the World
In countries like Colombia and other parts of Latin America, there is a dish similar to Munguzá. This dish is made with cooked corn and is known as mazamorra. It is a popular traditional food in their cuisine.
See also
- In Spanish: Canjica para niños
