curacaoansnack
Funchi
Creamy cornmeal polenta, a comfort staple of Curacaoan cuisine.
Prep
5 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
★★★★★
4.5(89 ratings)#cornmeal#comfort#vegetarian#creamy
About This Recipe
Funchi is a smooth, buttery cornmeal pudding similar to polenta, served as a side dish or breakfast item across the islands. It's simple, satisfying, and pairs well with stews and fish.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 2 cupswater or broth
- 0.75 cupcornmeal
- 2 tbspbutter
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspwhite pepper
Instructions
- 1
Boil liquid
Bring water or broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add salt.
- 2
Add cornmeal
Slowly whisk in cornmeal while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring as mixture thickens.
- 3
Cook until creamy
Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until very smooth and creamy.
- 4
Finish
Stir in butter and white pepper. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Pro Tips
- →
Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming
- →
Use broth instead of water for more flavor
- →
For firmer funchi, use less liquid
Variations
- •
Add grated cheese for a savory twist
- •
Stir in fresh corn kernels
- •
Mix in sautéed onions and peppers
Storage
Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently with extra broth
History & Origin
Funchi represents the agricultural legacy of Curacaoan cuisine, where corn was a staple crop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it similar to polenta?
Yes, funchi is essentially Caribbean-style polenta with simpler preparation and local seasonings.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 4 servings total
Calories210kcal
Protein4g
Carbohydrates28g
Fat10g
Fiber2g
Protein4g
Carbs28g
Fat10g
Time Summary
Prep time5 min
Cook time25 min
Total time30 min
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