Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• Milk: 1.6 liters (6 ¾ cups) of full-fat milk
• Cornstarch: 100 g (¾ cup)
• Agar-agar: 16 g (4 teaspoons)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Butter: 30 g (2 tablespoons)
• Hard cheese (grated): 200 g (2 cups)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Mixture

1. Mix the cornstarch: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a small amount of milk (about 200 ml) until it forms a smooth paste. This will help prevent lumps from forming later when adding the cornstarch to the rest of the milk. Set aside.
2. Prepare the agar-agar: In a separate small saucepan, add the agar-agar to the remaining milk (approximately 1.4 liters). Stir it well to ensure the agar-agar is evenly distributed in the milk. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the agar-agar to soften and dissolve.

Step 2: Cook the Milk and Agar Mixture

1. Heat the agar-agar milk: Place the saucepan with the agar-agar and milk mixture over medium heat. Stir the mixture frequently to ensure that the agar dissolves completely, which typically takes 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil too quickly. Once it’s simmering, continue stirring until the agar has completely dissolved.
2. Add the cornstarch mixture: Gradually pour the prepared cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the simmering milk and agar-agar solution. Stir constantly to combine everything smoothly and avoid clumps.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Butter

1. Add salt: Once the cornstarch is fully incorporated and the mixture starts to thicken, add the salt. Adjust the salt according to your taste. If you prefer a bit of extra seasoning, you can also add a pinch of black pepper.
2. Incorporate butter and cheese: Add the butter and grated hard cheese (such as Parmesan or cheddar) into the milk mixture. Continue stirring until the butter has melted and the cheese has fully melted into the pudding mixture, creating a creamy, smooth consistency.

Step 4: Set the Pudding

1. Pour into molds: Once the mixture has thickened to the consistency of a custard, remove it from the heat. Pour the pudding into a lightly greased baking dish or individual serving molds. You can use a large dish or smaller cups depending on how you want to serve it.
2. Let it cool: Allow the pudding to cool slightly at room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. The agar-agar will help it set firmly once chilled, so it should be left to cool for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve chilled or warm: Once set, your cheesy milk pudding is ready to serve. You can serve it directly from the molds for individual portions or slice it from the baking dish. The pudding is delicious served warm or chilled and can be paired with a light salad, grilled vegetables, or even enjoyed as a standalone treat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Sugars: 10g (naturally occurring from milk)
• Fiber: 1g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on the exact type of cheese used and the portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for a hard cheese like Parmesan or cheddar, you can use any cheese you prefer. Grana Padano, Gouda, or even a mild mozzarella would work well. Just keep in mind that the stronger the cheese, the more pronounced the flavor will be.

2. What is the purpose of agar-agar in this recipe?

Agar-agar is a plant-based gelling agent that helps the pudding set and hold its shape. It is a great alternative to gelatin, and it gives the pudding a firmer texture. Agar-agar sets as it cools, which is why the pudding needs time to chill in the refrigerator to reach the right consistency.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, this recipe can be made vegan by substituting the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives. Use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk as the base liquid and vegan butter as a replacement. Additionally, substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese option.

4. Can I adjust the thickness of the pudding?

Yes, if you prefer a thicker pudding, you can add a bit more cornstarch. However, be careful not to add too much, as it may make the pudding too firm or gelatinous. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter pudding, reduce the cornstarch slightly, though it may not set as firmly.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Milk Pudding

1. Use full-fat milk: For the creamiest texture and richest flavor, use whole milk rather than low-fat or skim milk.
2. Grate the cheese finely: Fine grating helps the cheese melt more evenly into the pudding mixture, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
3. Don’t skip the agar-agar soaking time: Agar-agar needs a few minutes to dissolve properly in warm liquid. Ensure it dissolves completely in the milk before adding the cornstarch to avoid any lumps or uneven texture.
4. Experiment with flavors: This savory pudding can be enhanced with additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or even fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Add a pinch of nutmeg for a more complex flavor.
5. Check the consistency: As the pudding cooks and thickens, make sure it doesn’t get too thick. If it does, you can thin it with a small amount of warm milk.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store the cheesy milk pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: While the pudding can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, store the pudding in an airtight container and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the pudding gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If the pudding has thickened too much, you can stir in a little milk to restore its creaminess.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Milk Pudding is a fantastic savory treat that combines simplicity with flavor. The creamy, cheesy texture is complemented by the subtle tang of the salt and butter, creating a comforting dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a unique snack, this recipe is sure to please. Experiment with different cheeses or spices to tailor it to your taste, and enjoy a dish that combines the best of creamy puddings with the richness of savory cheese.