National Indian Pudding Day

Warm Traditions: Celebrating National Indian Pudding Day with Good Thyme Gal 🍂

November 13th marks National Indian Pudding Day, a cozy celebration of one of America’s oldest and most comforting desserts. At Good Thyme Gal, we love any reason to honor food traditions that tell a story, and Indian Pudding is just that. This rich, molasses-sweetened, cornmeal-based dessert dates back to the colonial era and represents a beautiful blend of cultural influence, resourcefulness, and seasonal flavor.

Though the name may be misleading, there’s nothing “Indian” in the modern sense about this dish, its roots are deeply connected to Native American and early American history. As we gather around warm bowls of this hearty pudding, we’re reminded that good food isn’t just about taste, it’s about heritage, gratitude, and the power of shared nourishment.

🍯 The History Behind Indian Pudding

Indian Pudding traces its origins to early settlers in New England during the 17th century. When colonists tried to recreate traditional British hasty pudding (a dish made with wheat flour and milk), they discovered that wheat was scarce, but cornmeal, a staple used by Native Americans, was plentiful.

By swapping wheat for cornmeal and adding ingredients available in the colonies like molasses, milk, eggs, and spices, Indian Pudding was born. The dish evolved into a quintessential American dessert, especially in the Northeast, where it became a symbol of autumn warmth and old-fashioned hospitality.

So, National Indian Pudding Day, celebrated every November 13th, honors more than just a dessert, it celebrates adaptation, gratitude, and the blending of cultures that shaped early American cuisine.

🌾 Why National Indian Pudding Day Matters

At Good Thyme Gal, we believe food holidays like this one are more than calendar curiosities, they’re opportunities to slow down, connect with history, and cook with intention. Here’s why this day is especially meaningful:

1. It Preserves Culinary HistoryIndian Pudding reminds us of a time when cooking was about making the most of what you had, an important lesson in sustainability and creativity that aligns with Good Thyme Gal’s mission of equitable, mindful food.

2. It Promotes Seasonal EatingThe warm spices, molasses, and slow-baked goodness of Indian Pudding capture the essence of fall. It’s a perfect way to celebrate harvest flavors and embrace cozy, autumnal eating.

3. It’s a Lesson in Inclusivity and ResourcefulnessThis pudding represents how cultures learn from one another. Early colonists adapted their recipes with the help of Native American agricultural practices, a powerful reminder that good food often comes from shared wisdom and collaboration.

4. It Encourages Comfort and CommunityIndian Pudding is meant to be served warm, often with ice cream or whipped cream. It’s a dessert that brings people together, the very heart of what Good Thyme Gal stands for.

🥄 Equitable Recipe: Good Thyme Gal’s Classic Indian Pudding

Serves: 6–8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 2 hours

🛒 Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk for a dairy-free version)

• ⅓ cup yellow cornmeal

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup molasses

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or coconut oil for vegan option)

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

👩‍🍳 Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Cook the Base:In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until just steaming. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Continue stirring for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.

3. Add the Flavor:Stir in the molasses, brown sugar, butter, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. Incorporate the Eggs:Whisk in the eggs until smooth, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

5. Bake Slowly:Bake for about 2 hours, or until the pudding is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. The slow bake allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to become luxuriously silky.

6. Serve Warm:Spoon into bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

🍁 Why This Day Aligns with Good Thyme Gal

Good Thyme Gal is all about celebrating the beauty of cooking, the kind that honors the past, embraces the present, and shares love through food. National Indian Pudding Day fits this mission perfectly.

It’s a chance to remember that recipes are living stories, shaped by people, seasons, and traditions. This dessert exemplifies how food connects communities and celebrates resilience and creativity. By highlighting it, Good Thyme Gal continues its mission of inclusivity, sustainability, and joy in the kitchen.

So this November 13th, stir up a pot of history, fill your home with the scent of spice and molasses, and share a bowl of comfort with someone you love. Because every bite of Indian Pudding reminds us that food, like kindness, warms the soul. 🍂🥄