Mazamorra Morada
PeruvianDessert

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Mazamorra Morada is one of Peru's most beloved traditional desserts, dating back to colonial times with pre-Columbian roots. This stunning purple pudding is made by simmering purple corn with pineapple, apple, quince, and dried fruits, then thickening it with sweet potato starch. The result is a glossy, aromatic dessert infused with cloves, cinnamon, and citrus zest. Served warm or chilled, this naturally gluten-free dessert captures the essence of Peruvian culinary heritage. The deep purple color comes from anthocyanins in the purple corn, making it not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants. Traditionally enjoyed year-round, especially during October for the Lord of Miracles procession, this comforting dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be prepared in one pot for easy cleanup.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. In a large stockpot, combine 10 cups of water with the purple corn cobs (broken into pieces), pineapple peels and core, apple pieces, quince pieces, dried apricots, and dried cranberries. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and the peel from one orange and one lime.

  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid should reduce by about one-third and turn a deep purple color.

  3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or colander lined with cheesecloth, pressing on the solids to extract maximum liquid. Discard the solids and return the purple liquid to the pot.

  4. Add the diced fresh pineapple, diced apple, and honey to the strained liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes until the fruit is tender.

  5. In a small bowl, mix the sweet potato starch with 1 cup of cold water until completely smooth with no lumps. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering pot while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.

  6. Continue cooking and stirring for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Add the vanilla extract and stir well.

  7. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. The mazamorra will thicken further as it cools. Serve warm or chilled in individual bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Mazamorra Morada

4.5 (93)

A vibrant purple dessert made from purple corn, dried fruits, and warm spices. This traditional Peruvian sweet pudding is naturally sweetened and served with a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect finishing touch.

medium
1h 50m
8 servings

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups corn, purple corn kernels with cobs broken into pieces
  • 2 cups pineapple, peels and core for boiling, plus 1 cup diced fresh
  • 2 pieces apple, one cut into large pieces, one diced
  • 1 pieces quince, cut into quarters

Dried Fruits

  • 1/2 cups apricot, dried apricots halved
  • 1/2 cups cranberry, dried cranberries

Spices

  • 3 teaspoons cinnamon, whole cinnamon sticks

Aromatics

  • 1 pieces orange, peel only, removed in strips
  • 1 pieces lime, peel only, removed in strips

Sweetener

  • 3/4 cups honey

Thickener

  • 3/4 cups sweet-potatoes, sweet potato starch or cornstarch

Flavoring

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla-extract

Chef Tips

expert advice
Chef Notes: Purple corn can be found in Latin American markets or online.
If unavailable, you can substitute with purple corn flour mixed with regular corn, though the flavor will be slightly different.
The consistency should be like a thick fruit compote or loose pudding - add more dissolved starch if too thin, or more water if too thick.
For a more traditional presentation, serve with arroz con leche (Peruvian rice pudding) on the side.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste.
Some regions add diced sweet potato or quince paste for extra texture.
To enhance the fruit flavor, add a splash of fresh lime juice just before serving.
This dessert is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
For a festive touch, garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds or diced fresh fruit.