Looking for a hearty and flavorful breakfast? Try this fried cornmeal mush recipe. Made with simple ingredients like cornmeal, milk, and salt, this dish is easy to prepare and a great way to start your day. The mush is cooked until thick and creamy, then cooled until firm. It is then sliced and pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside. Serve it with maple syrup or honey for a sweet touch, or with savory accompaniments like bacon and eggs for a satisfying breakfast. This versatile dish can also be served as a side or as a base for other ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Butter or oil, for frying
- Maple syrup or honey, for serving (optional)
- Bacon and eggs, for serving (optional)
Directions
- In a large saucepan, whisk together the cornmeal, milk, and salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with plastic wrap or parchment paper, allowing some to overhang the sides.
- Transfer the cooked cornmeal mixture to the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until the mush is firm.
- Once the mush is firm, remove it from the dish using the overhanging plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Cut the mush into slices or squares of desired thickness.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter or heat a tablespoon of oil.
- Add the sliced mush to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter or oil as needed.
- Serve the fried cornmeal mush hot with maple syrup or honey for a sweet option or with bacon and eggs for a savory twist.
