Corn Mush- The Ultimate Breakfast Food
I don’t know if today’s generation can relate but I still love corn much! I find it very comforting as well as simple. There is a creamy texture to it, which makes it more enjoyable for me. I can still remember it was during 2010’s December, just two weeks before Christmas when my grandma came to our place to spend Christmas with us! One day, she made me this bowl full of hot and golden yellow cornmeal, and trust me! Ever since I have been obsessed with corn mush.
So, whether you are 12 or 92! I am sharing this fantastic recipe with you. It is not only healthy but also budget-friendly. I bet you will also melt in this creamy, warm, and simple recipe. It is just something worth melting for!
So, let’s get going!
The Reason Why I Love This Recipe
Corn Mush, also known as polenta, is a southern dish that offers the best breakfast option from the age range of 2 to 92!
The meal is combined with cornmeal, water, or milk. You can simmer them together in a pot until they turn into creamy, delicious mush.
Are you familiar with the cream of wheat? That’s precisely how consistency is. The only difference is that you must use cornmeal instead of wheat.
I can give you plenty of reasons why this dish is so unique. And once you have it, you will be able to relate to me as well. Here are the top reasons why I love having corn mush.
Ultimate Level of Comfort
Corn mush is my ultimate comfort food. I love its warm and incredibly satisfying feeling, which makes it perfect for a morning breakfast recipe.
Family Favorite
Corn mush is a recipe that will easily be famous among the family. My family loves to corn mush. They didn’t limit it to breakfast. Instead, they prefer having it during lunch and dinner.
And during the winter nights, corn mush is a must. My father calls the recipe “irresistible”. The soft and creamy texture is something that everyone loves to have.
Budget-friendly, Of Course!
Corn meal mush is an inexpensive ingredient that you can have in your kitchen pantry. You can easily find cornmeal in local convenience stores.
The budget-friendliness of the recipe makes it perfect for those planning to live on a budget.
I live alone in a different city, and living in a budget-friendly way is crucial for me. Corn mush keeps me full under a decent budget and supplies ample nutrients.
A Unique Twist
Corn mush can be used in various ways. This classic recipe allows you to add a unique twist to your food during breakfast.
You can also switch a few things up and add more varieties to the meal. I sometimes add parmesan cheese and pepper to the recipe.
The Key Ingredients
Milk or water, cornmeal, butter, and toppings are the four most important ingredients you will need to make corn mush.
Main Equipment
Making corn mush is simple. And when I say it is straightforward to make,! (I can barely cook)
you need three specific things to make this home-cooked comfort food all by yourself. The recipe is perfect for breakfast, easy dinner, or lunch ideas. Here are four things that you will need to prepare the corn mush.
- Milk: you are free to use any milk that you prefer. Whole, 2%, 1%, or fat-free, anything will count. You can even use water if you want. My personal choice has always been milk.
- Cornmeal: This cornmeal is the base of your entire meal.
- Salt: Salt will add more flavor to it. You can add a little salt to enhance the taste of your recipe.
- Butter: You can add butter while cooking your corn mush; this will help you have that creamy, smooth finish and its buttery flavor.
- Toppings: Once the recipe is all done, add whatever toppings you prefer to the dish.
What Is The Equipment That You Need?
Here is the list of ingredients that you need for the recipe.
- Medium-size saucepan: you will need this saucepan to boil the water and then cook the cornmeal mixture.
- Skillet or Griddle: if you are frying the slices of your corn mush, you can use a skillet or a griddle.
- Loaf pan: You will need a loaf pan to pour your corn mush and let it cool down before you cut it into small pieces.
How To Make A Corn Mush
You mainly require three specific ingredients: cornmeal, water, and salt to make your corn mush. In general, cornmeals are usually coarse grind. However, you can also find a finer grind for a better smooth texture.
You can also add other ingredients to bring out the taste. For example, you can add butter, cheese, and herbs to enhance the overall flavor of the entire dish.
Now, let’s come to the main point! How to make corn mash? Well, you can start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water comes to a boil, you can slowly add the cornmeal.
It would be best to give it a continuous stir to prevent lumps from forming. Once you are done, add cornmeal. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. In the meantime, you can do your chores, but don’t forget to stir them occasionally.
As it continues to cook, the mush will become thick and creamy.
Different Variations Of Making Corn Mush
Other than serving it as an essential mush, you can add other ingredients that will add more variation to the dish. Here are some favorite variations of making corn mush.
- Add different seasonings: The classic corn mush recipe only uses salt to bring out the flavor. But you can add seasonings of your choice. I personally like to add a dash of ginger or onion powder to the mush.
- Have you tried the sweet version? Yes! You just read it right, and there is even a sweet version. This recipe is Savoury, and you can easily make it in just some basic steps. All you must do is replace the salt from the mixture with sugar!
And that’s it! You have your sweet corn mush ready for you. Once you finish making it, you can add a dash of cinnamon powder.
- Cheese lovers! Assemble! For those who love to have cheese in everything, here’s a simple step to add to your recipe. To achieve that cheesy twist, add a cup of shredded cheese of your choice.
You can choose from parmesan or cheddar, that’s up to you! This will add more flavor to your corn mush.
Is It Healthy Or Not?
Corn mush is the most affordable and tasty dish, there is no doubt. Corn mush is my staple food when I start to live on a budget or durian in the cold weather.
But apart from being budget-friendly, corn mush is also nutritious for all. Corn meal had high fiber. Moreover, it contains vitamins and other heavy minerals. Thus, you can count corn mush as a perfect dish for your diet.
Another reason is that corn is gluten-free. It can be a unique alternative for those who are gluten intolerant.
Corn Mush And Its Versatility
You can have corn mush in many ways. For instance, you can top this simple dish with butter and cheese and serve it as a main dish.
The Italians like to have corn mush with sauteed mushrooms and tomato sauce. While in Mexico, they will serve you corn mush with beans, cheese, and salsa.
You can also add whatever meat is available in your refrigerator. There is a vast scope for experiments when it comes to corn mush.
Cornmeal Vs Grits- Same Or Different?
Grits is also a type of cornmeal, but the grind on the cornmeal is a bit coarser than the others. You can have grits with cheese, salt, and peppers. On some occasions, you can even serve Grits as a sweet dish.
I Am Wrapping It Up!
In conclusion, corn mush is a straightforward and satisfying dish you can enjoy in many ways. You may prefer it as your main meal or side menu. That’s totally up to you.
However, if we prefer living a frugal life or a specific budget. In such cases, corn mush can be an affordable option for them without compromising health. You can have it for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.
So, try making this simple dish, and don’t forget to experiment to enjoy this classic dish. Tell us in the standard section how you liked your corn mush recipe.
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