National Dish Peru: Sweet Humitas (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Sweet Humitas, a charming little treat from the Peruvian kitchen made from fresh corn. These tender corn cakes are steamed inside delicate husks and flavoured with warm cinnamon and sugar, marrying the natural sweetness of the maize with gentle spice. Equally at home as a snack or a dessert, they carry the taste of Peru straight to your plate — comforting, fragrant and wonderfully simple to make.
About Sweet Humitas
Sweet Humitas are a delicious speciality of Peruvian cooking, prepared from fresh corn. These little corn cakes are not only lovely to look at but also a genuine pleasure to eat. Wrapped in soft corn husks, they bring together the sweet flavour of maize with a fine note of cinnamon and sugar. They suit both a casual snack and a rounded dessert perfectly, delivering the flavour of Peru right to your table. Like so much of Peruvian cuisine, they turn a handful of humble ingredients into something quietly special.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g fresh corn (cut from the cob)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 pinch of salt
- 10–12 large corn husks, for wrapping
- Water, for steaming
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for Sweet Humitas can be found in most supermarkets or at markets selling fresh produce. The fresh corn cobs in particular are crucial to the flavour and texture of the dish. Make sure the corn husks are large and tender, as they wrap the cakes and play an important part in the preparation. If you live in a region where fresh corn is hard to come by, frozen varieties are a perfectly good alternative.
Preparing the dish
To begin making the Sweet Humitas, it is important to prepare the ingredients well. First, husk the corn cobs and cut the kernels away from the cob with a knife. Then carefully peel off the corn husks and soak them in warm water so they become soft and pliable. This makes the cakes much easier to wrap and helps ensure they do not tear during steaming.
Step-by-step instructions
- Put the fresh corn kernels into a bowl and blend to a creamy consistency.
- Add the sugar, cinnamon, melted butter and a pinch of salt to the puréed corn and mix well.
- Drain the soaked corn husks and lay out 2–3 husks together to form a rectangle.
- Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the corn mixture onto the husks and fold them over so the filling is neatly parcelled up.
- Place the humitas in a steamer, or on a plate set inside a large pan of boiling water, and steam for around 30–40 minutes.
- Once steamed, gently unwrap the humitas from the husks and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
The good news is that Sweet Humitas contain no gluten or dairy by nature, so you can enjoy this delicious dish without any adjustments. If you are lactose intolerant, you can replace the butter with plant-based fats such as coconut oil or margarine, which work just as well. And if you follow a gluten-free diet, you can relax entirely, as no cereal grains are used at all.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans, Sweet Humitas are an excellent choice, as they can be prepared with no animal products. To make the recipe vegan, simply swap the butter for a vegan margarine or peanut butter. Take care to use unrefined sugar, as some sugars are processed using animal-derived products. Vegans can enjoy this dish just as much, without giving up any of its original flavour.
More tips and tricks
To get the very best from your Sweet Humitas, try experimenting with different fillings. Grated coconut or a few pieces of chocolate, for example, add an exciting extra dimension. Remember to adjust the steaming time accordingly if you add extra ingredients. Playing around with different flavours is a great way to shape the dish to your own liking. If you fancy comparing notes with the savoury original, the classic Humitas make a fine companion recipe.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Making Sweet Humitas is easily tailored to personal preference. If you like things less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar or reach for an alternative sweetener. You can also adjust the quantity of cinnamon to fine-tune the flavour exactly as you wish. Bear in mind that the humitas are wonderfully versatile and have something to offer everyone.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient for Sweet Humitas to hand, there are a few creative alternatives. In place of fresh corn you can use tinned corn, though the flavour may vary a little. As for the sugar, coconut blossom sugar or honey (for vegetarians) makes a natural stand-in. Be creative and try different combinations to find your own perfect recipe.
Drink pairing ideas
Sweet Humitas go especially well with refreshing drinks. A cooling lemonade or a glass of freshly pressed fruit juice complements the sweet flavours beautifully. A light white wine also works nicely, as does a sparkling drink such as Chicha Morada, a traditional Peruvian purple-corn beverage. Choose whichever drink appeals most to your palate.
Serving and presentation ideas
When it comes to presenting Sweet Humitas, you can let your creativity run free. Serve the humitas straight onto a colourful plate or in small bowls for an inviting look. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dusting of cinnamon to add a touch of elegance. Bringing them to the table still warm in their husks turns serving into a little experience in itself.
A bit of history
Sweet Humitas have a long history, deeply rooted in Peruvian culture. Originally prepared by the indigenous peoples of the Andes, they are a homage to Peru’s rich agricultural traditions. Corn was, and remains, a staple food across the region, and the art of cooking with maize has been handed down from generation to generation. Today the humitas are a favourite snack among locals and visitors alike, sitting comfortably alongside hearty classics such as Seco de Cordero.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Sweet Humitas
Sweet Humitas are a delicate sweet treat from Peru that you really ought to try. These tasty little corn cakes bring together fresh corn, sugar and cinnamon to make an irresistible snack or dessert. With simple ingredients and an uncomplicated method, you can bring a piece of Peruvian tradition into your own home. Enjoy the tempting aromas that this sweet has to offer!
