Cornmeal mush, also known as polenta or grits, is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Made from coarsely ground cornmeal, this Southern comfort food is easy to prepare and can be cooked in various ways, including in an air fryer. Whether you prefer your cornmeal mush creamy or crispy, sweet or savory, there's a recipe to suit your taste. From classic Southern-style cornmeal mush with butter and salt to creative variations like cheesy jalapeño cornmeal mush and even a sweet cornmeal mush cake, this article offers a collection of delectable recipes to satisfy any craving.
Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!
FRIED MUSH
What to do with leftover cornmeal mush? Make fried mush, a delicious alternative to pancakes or waffles. Serve with maple syrup for a lightly sweet breakfast treat.
Provided by Julie Clark
Categories Breakfast
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cornmeal, milk and salt.
- Slowly pour the cornmeal/milk mixture into the boiling water, stirring constantly.
- Bring it to a boil again, then reduce heat and stir almost constantly (to avoid clumps) for about 15 minutes or until the mixture is thickened to the consistency you like.
- Pour this mixture into a lightly greased 9x5 loaf pan and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Once the cornmeal has cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and place the pan in the refrigerator overnight or until the mixture has become firm (at least 8 hours).
- Remove the cornmeal loaf from the pan and slice it into 1/2" to 1" slices. (We usually slice the loaf into 10 slices, then cut those slices in half so they cook more quickly and make smaller pieces.)
- Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once the pan is hot, add the slices and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and heated through. Watch them closely so they don't burn.
- Serve immediately with maple syrup or honey if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 53 kcal, Carbohydrate 6 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 22 mg, ServingSize 1 serving
CORNMEAL MUSH
Mama used to make mush when I was growing up. I'm not sure if I remember liking it much when I was little, at least not since we had boxes of Coco Wheats in the house. Hmmm... Chocolate vs. Cornmeal... No real contest there when your all of 8 years old. I'm guessing it wasn't until I got older that my palate expanded from...
Provided by Staci Cakes
Categories Other Breakfast
Time 5m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- 1. Stir together the water, salt, and cornmeal until well combined. Add a dab of butter. While constantly stirring, bring to a boil then reduce to a slow simmer. Cook until thickened and then a minute or so more. Spoon into a bowl, top with butter and a splash of cold milk.
HOT AIR FRIED POLENTA ROUNDS
I love Polenta but to crisp it up, you have to fry it in oil. I didn't like that so when I got my Farberware Hot Air Fryer I promised myself I'd try cooking the Polenta in it. I did today and it was delicious. It's good served with some sort of tomato sauce, even Ketchup is good with it.
Provided by Jo Zimny
Categories Other Side Dishes
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- 1. Open the Polenta Roll. With a sharp knife, cut the Polenta in 1/2 inch thick slices. Brush both sides of the slices with oil.
- 2. Spray the basket of the hot air fryer with oil. Heat the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400'F.
- 3. Place the Polenta slices into the preheated air fryer and cook for 25 minutes. Then flip the slices and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- 4. Remove the slices and Enjoy!
FRIED CORNMEAL MUSH
This recipe reminds me of the 'good ol' days'. I hope you enjoy this great tasting recipe.
Provided by Michele O'Sullivan
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegetarian
Time 13h20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, heat water to boiling. Reduce heat to medium; stir in salt and cornmeal. Cook, stirring regularly, until mixture is thick.
- Spoon cornmeal mixture into a lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, melt butter in a skillet over medium high heat. Slice cornmeal mush into 1 inch wide slices. Cook in melted butter until golden brown on both sides.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 152.8 calories, Carbohydrate 27.3 g, Cholesterol 7.6 mg, Fat 3.5 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 604.2 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
CORNMEAL MUSH
This is a basic recipe for a very easy and versatile dish. You can eat it like hot cereal, or chill it and then fry it. This goes well with syrup as a breakfast dish, or with savory sauces and vegetables for dinner.
Provided by NANCYELLEN
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes
Time 12m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Mix together cornmeal, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- If using as cereal, spoon mush into bowls and serve with milk and sugar, if desired. If frying, pour mixture into a loaf pan and chill completely. Remove from pan, cut into slices, and fry in a small amount of oil over medium-high heat until browned on both sides. Serve with sauce of your choice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 79.6 calories, Carbohydrate 17.1 g, Fat 0.4 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 1.6 g, Sodium 146.9 mg, Sugar 0.4 g
LANCASTER COUNTY, AMISH CORNMEAL MUSH
This is delicious served with syrup or ketchup - your preference, and served alongside eggs. We also like to eat it here in Lancaster County with milk - or just browned butter - right after it's cooked. (before putting it in the loaf pan) Otherwise, pour it into the loaf pan & let it cool, then keep it in the refrigerator until cooled completely & it can easily be sliced. This recipe is so simple, I was almost embarrassed to post - but it's what we eat here - and I've seen numerous requests for this - so here it is! ENJOY!
Provided by WJKing
Categories Breakfast
Time 25m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Cover& simmer 10-20 minutes (LOW heat).
- Pour into a loaf pan.
- Cool and then cut into thin pieces.
- Fry till golden brown on both sides.
FRIED CORNMEAL MUSH
I've been eating cornmeal mush ever since I was a little girl. Now it's become popular with my family. I especially love this version because the batter is made ahead of time and fried the next morning.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Brunch Side Dishes
Time 1h15m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Boil 3 cups water. Combine remaining water with cornmeal and salt; add to boiling water. Stir until mixture returns to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. , Pour into a greased 8x4-in. loaf pan. Chill for 8 hours or overnight. Cut into 1/2-in. thick slices. , In a large skillet, fry slices in oil until browned on each side. Serve with syrup.
Nutrition Facts :
CORNMEAL MUSH
This is not the fried polenta version--you eat this in a bowl like oatmeal. Add a little milk and sugar to your taste--Mmm!
Provided by JenniferK2
Categories Breakfast
Time 10m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Combine 2 1/2 cup water and salt in small saucepan; bring to a boil.
- Mix cornmeal with remaining water in a small bowl.
- Add cornmeal mixture slowly to boiling water, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low; cook stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until mixture is thickened.
Tips:
- Use fresh, non-GMO cornmeal for the best flavor and texture.
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook cornmeal mush on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Be sure to season the cornmeal mush with salt and pepper to taste.
- For a creamy texture, add a little milk or cream to the cornmeal mush.
- Serve cornmeal mush with your favorite toppings, such as butter, honey, maple syrup, or fruit.
Conclusion:
Cornmeal mush is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you make it in an air fryer or on the stovetop, cornmeal mush is a great way to use up leftover cornmeal and enjoy a satisfying meal.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love