Best 5 Cornmeal Dough Recipes

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**Cornmeal Dough: A Versatile Ingredient for Southern Delights**

In the realm of Southern cuisine, cornmeal dough reigns supreme as a versatile ingredient that lends its unique flavor and texture to a variety of delectable dishes. From the golden-brown crunch of hush puppies to the hearty satisfaction of cornbread, cornmeal dough forms the foundation of many beloved Southern staples. This article presents a comprehensive guide to cornmeal dough, featuring three distinct recipes that showcase its versatility:

1. **Classic Cornbread**: Experience the timeless Southern tradition with this classic cornbread recipe. Simple yet flavorful, this cornbread is a perfect accompaniment to hearty stews, smoky barbecue, or as a standalone snack.

2. **Crispy Hush Puppies**: Immerse yourself in the crispy delight of hush puppies, a Southern favorite often served alongside fried fish or seafood. These bite-sized morsels are a symphony of textures, with a crispy exterior yielding to a tender, fluffy interior.

3. **Savory Cornmeal Pancakes**: Reimagine breakfast with these savory cornmeal pancakes. Infused with the nutty flavor of cornmeal, these pancakes bring a unique twist to your morning meal. Accompany them with your favorite toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, or tangy salsa.

Embark on a culinary journey through the world of cornmeal dough with these carefully crafted recipes. Whether you're a seasoned Southern cook or a newcomer to the culinary arts, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CORNMEAL DUMPLING DOUGH



Cornmeal Dumpling Dough image

Use this quick-and-easy dough recipe to make our Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Number Of Ingredients 7

2/3 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/3 cup fine yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup buttermilk

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Using your fingers, work in butter until small crumbs form. Stir in buttermilk.

CORNMEAL PIZZA DOUGH



Cornmeal Pizza Dough image

Use this dough to make our Grilled Pizzas with Tomato, Avocado, and Pepper-Jack Cheese, as well as our Grilled Pizzas with Plums, Prosciutto, Goat Cheese, and Arugula.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Breakfast & Brunch Recipes     Bread Recipes

Yield Makes enough for 6 nine-inch pizzas

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups warm water (about 110 degrees)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 envelopes active dry yeast (2 scant tablespoons)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for bowl
5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon salt

Steps:

  • Stir warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl until yeast is dissolved. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with oil, and set aside.
  • Stir together the flour, cornmeal, and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and the oil; stir mixture until all of the flour-mixture is incorporated. Continue to stir until a stiff dough forms. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead with floured hands, dusting with as little flour as possible if dough seems sticky, just until the ball becomes smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Reshape the dough into a ball. (Alternatively, pour 5 cups all-purpose flour, cornmeal, the salt, yeast mixture, and oil in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until dough is smooth and slightly sticky to the touch, 2 to 3 minutes. If dough seems too sticky, add up to 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing after each addition. Knead 4 or 5 turns on a clean work surface to form a ball.)
  • Place dough in oiled bowl, smooth side up. Tightly cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in bulk, about 40 minutes.
  • Remove plastic wrap; punch down dough. Fold dough back onto itself 4 or 5 times; leave smooth side up. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise again until doubled in bulk, 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Punch down dough, and transfer to a clean work surface. Cut dough with a bench scraper or knife into sixths. Knead each piece 4 or 5 turns to form a ball. Cover all but one with plastic wrap.
  • On a lightly floured work surface, flatten remaining dough ball into a disk. Loosely cover with plastic wrap; let rest 5 minutes. Using a rolling pin or your fingertips, flatten and push dough evenly out from center to form a 9-inch circle (or a 7-by-11-inch rectangle or rough oval).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and sprinkle with flour. Place dough on top. Cover with another sheet of parchment, and sprinkle with flour. Roll out and stack remaining dough balls.
  • Wrap baking sheet with plastic wrap; refrigerate pizza dough until ready to use, up to 1 day.

CORNMEAL MINI-PIZZA DOUGH



Cornmeal Mini-Pizza Dough image

This recipe is from Epicurious.com, from a recipe called Three-Cheese Cornmeal Pizzette. I just make the dough and improvise the toppings. The cornmeal gives a wonderful texture and flavor to the dough. The dough freezes well - great for smaller households. The directions below are for two pizzas - but the entire recipe makes four.

Provided by duonyte

Categories     Breads

Time 30m

Yield 4 individual pizzas

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 ounce fast rising yeast (2 1/2 tsp)
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup hot water (130 deg F)
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
arugula or tomatoes

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 500 deg. F.
  • In a food processor, combine 1 cup flour, yeast and sugar. With motor running, pour in the hot water.
  • Turn motor off and add remaining ingredients. Process mixture until it forms a ball, and then process 15 seconds longer to knead.
  • Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead 10 times. To make two pizzas, cut into half; wrap one half well and freeze for up to one month.
  • Divide remaining piece in half. Roll or press out each half into an 8" circle. Transfer to a baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with additional olive oil.
  • Top with favorite toppings, season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
  • Note1: white cornmeal works just as well. While the recipe calls for hot water, I usually use room temperature or even cool water - the action of the FP can heat up the dough quite a bit, so I would rather allow a little more time.
  • Note2: toppings must be thinly sliced; meats and some veggies should be cooked - this pizza is in the oven only a short time. I've never used a pizza sauce with this - if you do and it works, let us know!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 411.5, Fat 8.6, SaturatedFat 1.2, Sodium 596.1, Carbohydrate 74, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 2.5, Protein 9.7

CORNMEAL DOUGH



Cornmeal Dough image

Use this dough to make our Lemon-Chamomile Cream Pie.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Pie & Tarts Recipes

Yield Makes one 9-inch crust

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably medium-ground
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon sugar
6 ounces (3/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup ice water

Steps:

  • Pulse flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar in a food processor to combine. Add butter, and process until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds. With the machine running, add ice water in a slow, steady stream until dough just begins to hold together (no longer than 30 seconds).
  • Shape dough into a disk. Wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

CORNMEAL TART DOUGH



Cornmeal Tart Dough image

This cornmeal tart dough recipe yields enough dough for one Lemon Pine-Nut Tart.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Pie & Tarts Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup coarse cornmeal
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
2-4 tablespoons ice water

Steps:

  • Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor; pulse several times. Add butter; process until mixture is the consistency of coarse meal, about 7 seconds. With motor running, add yolks and enough ice water so dough comes together. Do not overmix.
  • Divide dough in half; press to flatten into disks. Wrap each in plastic; chill at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Tips for Making Cornmeal Dough:

  • Choose the Right Cornmeal: Use medium or fine grind cornmeal for a smooth dough. If using coarse grind cornmeal, be sure to grind it finer in a food processor or blender.
  • Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients for the most accurate results. This is especially important for the cornmeal and flour, as too much or too little can affect the dough's texture.
  • Work Quickly: Cornmeal dough is best when it is not overworked. Mix the ingredients until just combined, then stop. Overworking the dough will make it tough.
  • Let the Dough Rest: After mixing, allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough to hydrate and become more cohesive. If you are using a sourdough starter, allow the dough to rest for longer.
  • Use Parchment Paper: When baking cornmeal dough, use parchment paper to prevent the dough from sticking to the pan. This will also make it easier to transfer the baked goods to a cooling rack.

Conclusion:

Cornmeal dough is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used to make a variety of baked goods. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create delicious cornbread, tortillas, and other treats. By following these tips, you can make perfect cornmeal dough every time. Experiment with different recipes and techniques to find your favorite way to enjoy this unique and flavorful dough.

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