🥣Creamy Masa Porridge (Harina de Maíz)

Looking for a warm, comforting breakfast that’s gentle on the gut and fuels your metabolism? This creamy masa porridge is a modern spin on a Dominican classic—made with skim milk, brown sugar, and aromatic cinnamon, it's naturally gluten-free, easy to digest, and endlessly customizable. Think of it as your cozy, carb-loving answer to oatmeal—but smoother, simpler, and just as nostalgic.

Yields: 4 servings (~1½ cups each)
Time: Prep 5 min • Cook 8–10 min

Ingredients

• 1 cup masa harina (nixtamilized corn flour, like King Arthur)

• 6 cups skim milk

• 1 cup brown sugar OR 2/3 cup honey

• ½ tsp salt

• 2–3 whole cinnamon sticks or 1 teaspoon ground ceylon cinnamon

• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

• Optional: pinch of nutmeg, maple syrup, honey, or a pat of butter for serving

Instructions

1. Mix It Up
   In a medium pot, whisk together masa harina, skim milk, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla extract. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to hydrate the masa.

2. Cook It Slowly
   Turn heat to medium and stir continuously until it begins to bubble. As it thickens, reduce heat to low and keep whisking for 4–5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if it gets too thick.

3. Serve & Enjoy
   Remove cinnamon sticks. Ladle into bowls and top with optional maple syrup drizzle, butter, or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Flavor & Topping Ideas

• Stir in a spoonful of collagen or gelatin for extra protein.

• Add a splash of maple extract or orange blossom water for fun.

• Top with fresh berries, caramelized bananas, or a dusting of cinnamon.

• Serve with a side of fruit juice or steamed milk for a full pro-metabolic breakfast.