Mais con Yelo

Mais Con Yelo: A Refreshing Symphony of Corn and Ice

As the tropical heat blankets the Philippines, one cooling concoction emerges as a beacon of refreshment—Mais Con Yelo. A beloved Filipino dessert, it combines the comforting sweetness of corn with the chill of finely shaved ice, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that is both delightful and refreshing. Join us and learn how to recreate this cool sensation at home.

Mais Con Yelo, translated as “corn with ice,” has deep roots in Filipino culinary traditions. Its humble origins lie in the streets, where vendors skillfully blend crushed ice with sweet corn kernels, drizzle it with condensed milk, and serve it in plastic cups. This simple yet satisfying treat captures the essence of Filipino ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Here is a basic recipe:

Mais con Yelo

Recipe by Yummy FoodCourse: DessertCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Mais Con Yelo, translated as “corn with ice,” combines the comforting sweetness of corn with the chill of finely shaved ice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or canned)

• 2 cups shaved ice

• 1/2 cup evaporated milk

• 1/4 cup condensed milk

• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

• Pinch of salt

• Crushed ice

• Cornflakes (optional, for added crunch)

• Grated Cheese (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the Sweet Corn:
• If using fresh corn, cook and cut the kernels off the cob. If using canned corn, drain and set aside.
• Shave the Ice:
• Using an ice shaver or a food processor, finely shave enough ice to fill your serving glasses.
• Assemble the Mais Con Yelo:
• In individual serving glasses, layer the shaved ice and sweet corn kernels. Repeat until the glass is filled.
• Prepare the Sweet Milk Mixture:
• In a small bowl, mix the evaporated milk, condensed milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Drizzle and Mix:
• Drizzle the sweet milk mixture generously over the ice and corn layers. Use a long spoon to gently mix the ingredients, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.
• Top with Crunch (Optional):
• For an extra layer of texture, top your Mais Con Yelo with a sprinkle of cornflakes.
• Top with Grated Cheese (Optional):
• Serve Immediately:
• Mais Con Yelo is best enjoyed immediately to relish the contrast between the chilled ice and the sweet corn. Stir occasionally to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.

The provided recipe yields approximately 2 servings. If you need to serve more people, you can easily scale up the quantities of ingredients based on the number of servings you require. Adjusting the amounts of sweet corn, shaved ice, and sweet milk mixture proportionally will allow you to prepare the desired quantity for your intended number of guests.

Mais Con Yelo embodies the spirit of Filipino street food—a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor. Whether enjoyed as a midday pick-me-up or as a sweet conclusion to a savory meal, it is a testament to the Filipinos’ knack for turning humble ingredients into extraordinary treats. So, whip up a batch, sit back, and savor the refreshing allure of Mais Con Yelo, a cool symphony that dances on the palate and transports you to the vibrant streets of the Philippines.

Other DESSERT recipes may be found HERE.

IMAGE SOURCE: Marife.altabano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons