Looking for a quick and easy sweet corn pudding recipe? Try Jhajariya-a traditional Indian dessert made with fresh corn, and pantry-friendly ingredients. This creamy and fragrant vegan sweet corn pudding is gluten-free, and cooked in the microwave in just 15 minutes. Whether you're prepping for festive celebrations, entertaining guests, or craving a post-meal treat, this Indian microwave dessert is simple, satisfying, and full of rich, comforting flavor.
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Sweet Corn Pudding Called Jhajariya
Jhajariya is a traditional Indian sweet corn pudding made with just four simple ingredients-sweet corn, milk, sugar, and ghee. Rich, comforting, and mildly sweet, this melt-in-your-mouth Indian Halwa comes together quickly, making it ideal for festive occasions, unexpected guests, or when you're craving a last-minute treat.
Some sources trace the origins of Jhajariya to Rajasthani cuisine, while others connect it to Pakistani culinary traditions. Regardless of its roots, this flavorful Sweet Corn Pudding is a timeless favorite that showcases the beauty of minimal ingredients and traditional cooking. Whether you're hosting a celebration or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this Sweet Corn Halwa is sure to impress with its delicate texture and nostalgic flavor.
Recipe Inspired By A Google Ad
This Sweetcorn Pudding recipe is inspired by the heartwarming Google ad titled "Reunion", which touched millions with its emotional story of friendship across borders. The ad follows two childhood friends-one Indian, one Pakistani-who were separated during the 1947 Indo-Pak Partition. Years later, their grandchildren use Google Search to reunite them after decades apart.
One of the most poignant moments in the ad is when they both fondly remember Jhajariya, a traditional sweetcorn pudding they once shared in their youth. This simple yet nostalgic Indian dessert becomes a powerful symbol of their bond, evoking memories of home, connection, and lost time. Inspired by that scene, this recipe pays tribute to a dessert that transcends borders and brings people together-one spoonful at a time.
Vegan Sweet Corn Pudding
That powerful storytelling truly moved me-and inspired me to recreate Jhajariya in my own kitchen with a modern twist: keeping it simple, and accessible to everyone. Since I love giving traditional Indian recipes a plant-based makeover, I made this sweet corn pudding completely dairy-free, without losing its authentic flavor or comforting texture.
To make things even easier, I chose to cook this vegan Indian dessert in the microwave, so there's no need to turn on the gas or spend hours in the kitchen. It's ready in just 15 minutes! If you enjoy quick, no-fuss treats, you might also love my microwave Gajar Ka Halwa, another delicious Indian sweet made in minutes.
If you loved this vegan sweet corn pudding, here are more easy plant-based Indian desserts you'll enjoy making (and eating!): Air Fryer Apples, Basundi, Chocolate Ricotta Mousse, Karanji Baklava, Coconut Ladoo, Poha Sheera, Steamed Modak, Carrot Halwa, Beetroot Halwa, and Semiyan Payasam. These vegan Indian sweets are perfect for festive occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself to something comforting and traditional-without the dairy!
Why Make It
- 🍽️ No-cook, no-bake - Everything comes together in the microwave!
- ⏲️ Ready in just 15 minutes - Perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
- 🌿 Vegan and gluten-free - A treat everyone can enjoy.
- 🛒 Only 4 basic ingredients - No complicated prep or specialty items.
- 😋 Deliciously satisfying - Creamy, naturally sweet, and comforting.
🧾 Ingredients Needed
The star of this Indian Sweet Corn Pudding is-unsurprisingly-sweet corn! Its natural sweetness and delicate flavor bring a fresh, wholesome quality to this comforting dessert. Here's how you can use it:
- Fresh corn - Grate or blend the kernels for best texture and flavor.
- Frozen corn - Thaw completely, then blend until smooth.
- Canned corn - Drain well and blend to a smooth paste. This is the quickest option.
For the Pudding Base:
- Full-fat coconut milk - Adds richness, creaminess, and a subtle tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with corn.
- Corn milk - A great alternative that enhances the corn-forward taste of the pudding.
I have made this Instant Indian dessert with corn milk and coconut milk. They both taste great.
To Keep It Vegan:
- Replace traditional ghee with:
- Vegan ghee
- Cold-pressed coconut oil - Adds a lovely aroma and complements the coconut milk base.
Flavor-Boosting Add-ins:
- Almond flour - Adds a nutty undertone and helps thicken the Indian Halwa with corn naturally.
- Sugar - Use white or brown sugar, and adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Saffron strands - To infuse this plant-based Indian sweet with a delicate aroma and give it a beautiful golden hue.
- Sliced almonds and pistachios - Sprinkle on top for a bit of crunch and festive flair.
This minimal-ingredient vegan Jhajariya recipe proves that simple pantry staples can create something truly special and indulgent!
How To Make It 🔪
- Thaw the frozen corn and transfer to a blender jar.
- Then grind it coarsely. If using fresh corn, grate it instead.
- In a microwave-safe dish, add the coarsely ground corn along with coconut oil. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- Give it a mix, then add coconut milk or corn milk. Microwave on high for another 4 minutes, stirring once midway.
- Stir in the sugar and microwave on high for 2 more minutes, or until the pudding begins to thicken.
- If the pudding looks a little watery at this stage, add almond flour to help thicken it.
- The sweet corn pudding should now resemble a thick porridge or halwa.
- Garnish with sliced almonds and saffron.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy this sweet corn pudding warm or chilled-it tastes delicious either way! Light, creamy, and comforting, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Your guests will be asking for the recipe after just one bite!
This unique and innovative vegan Indian dessert is perfect for the holiday season, or anytime you're craving something sweet yet light after a meal.
Serve this flavorful Sweet Corn Pudding at:
- Festivals like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, or Navratri
- Special occasions like brunches, potlucks, parties, or date nights
- As a vegan holiday dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas
Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, this instant Indian microwave dessert is sure to impress and satisfy.
💭 Priya's Recipe Tips
Microwave settings may vary, so keep an eye on the pudding and check its consistency after every minute. Adjust cooking time as needed based on your microwave's power level. Feel free to use any variety of sweetener if you don't want to use refined sugar -brown sugar, cane sugar, coconut sugar, or even grated jaggery for a more earthy, traditional flavor. To thicken the sweet corn pudding, you can substitute almond flour with cornstarch, rice flour, or arrowroot powder.
FAQs 📖
Yes, this vegan sweet corn pudding can also be made on the stovetop with ease. Simply add all the ingredients to a heavy-bottomed pan and cook on medium heat, stirring continuously. Keep cooking until the mixture thickens, comes together like a halwa, and no longer sticks to the sides of the pan.
This method gives you the same creamy, comforting texture that one associates with a sweet corn pudding-just with a little more hands-on time.
If you're not following a vegan diet, you can easily make this sweet corn pudding vegetarian. Simply substitute the coconut milk with regular full-fat whole milk, and use traditional ghee in place of vegan ghee or coconut oil.
The result is just as creamy, rich, and flavorful sweet corn pudding-perfect for those who prefer classic dairy-based Indian desserts.
For added flavor, try mixing in a pinch of cardamom powder, nutmeg, or a drop of rose water to your vegan sweet corn pudding.
To elevate the presentation, garnish with edible rose petals, gold leaf, or a drizzle of saffron-infused milk.
This vegan sweet corn pudding can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For convenience, you can portion it into individual serving bowls or cups with lids.
While it tastes great chilled, you can also warm it slightly before serving to bring back its fresh, comforting texture. A light drizzle of vegan ghee on top adds extra richness and makes it taste freshly made!
If the sweet con pudding thickens too much after cooling, add a splash of plant-based milk before reheating to loosen it up.
More Holiday Dessert Recipes
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Recipe 📖
Sweet Corn Pudding - Vegan Jhajariya (Microwave Method)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet corn, frozen
- ½ cup coconut milk or corn milk
- 2 tablespoon vegan ghee
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon almond flour
- 8-10 strands saffron
- 1 tablespoon slivered pistachios
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen corn and transfer to a blender jar.
- Then grind it coarsely. If using fresh corn, grate it instead.
- In a microwave-safe dish, add the coarsely ground corn along with coconut oil. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- Give it a mix, then add coconut milk or corn milk. Microwave on high for another 4 minutes, stirring once midway.
- Add sugar, mix well, and microwave on high for 2 more minutes.
- If the pudding looks a little watery at this stage, add almond flour to help thicken it.
- The sweet corn pudding should now resemble a thick porridge or halwa.
- Garnish with sliced almonds and saffron. Serve warm or chilled.
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Girija says
The recipe with corn to make a pudding is fabulous. Will give a try soon.
Priya says
Thank you so much
Sally says
Looks delicious! Love the taste of saffron!
Priya says
Thank you 🙂 Saffron adds a whole new dimension to the dessert
Nart at Cooking with Nart says
Yum! Love me some corn pudding. Bonus points for it being vegan 🙂
Priya says
🙂 Thank you
Mirlene says
Taste so great and easy to make. Can't wait to make it again.
Priya says
Glad you liked it. Thank you
Cate says
Yum!! Love how simple and tasty this looks, perfect for summertime! Making this ASAP!
Priya says
Glad you like it.
Andrea Metlika says
I like how easy this is to make for such a beautiful and yummy dessert.
Priya says
Thank you so much
Tara says
So easy and delicious -- glad we gave it a try!!
Priya says
Thank you so much
Shruthi says
What a great and simple idea, Priya! This took me back to my childhood days - especially since it's so easy to use a microwave!
Priya says
I am so happy to hear that. Thank you so much.
Patty at Spoonabilities says
This looks so delicious! I will have to try this! Your photographs are so beautiful as well!
Priya says
Glad you like it..thank you
Kerri says
This can’t be much easier with just 4 ingredients! This is definitely a family favorite of ours!
Priya says
I know right! Thank you so much
Tawnie Kroll says
So flavorful and easy to make - thank you!
Priya says
Thank you so much
Meeraji Rao says
I travelled the same path as yours, beginning with the viral add. Immediately forwarded to my friend Muzaffar and then went in search of the dish, prepared and ate it. It came out well. Thank you.
Priya says
haha! Yes, it's an awesome dessert! Thank you.
Joscelyn says
Aww, the ad had a sweet storyline! So cool that it inspired you to create this delicious dessert! It sounds yummy!
Sarah Jean says
Oh I love love sweetcorn. I think it's time I made something I love so much!