Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cornmeal Mush is the perfect balance of simplicity and comfort. It’s made with just a few ingredients, yet it’s incredibly satisfying. The smooth, creamy texture of the cornmeal is soothing, while the flavor can be customized with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even savory seasonings like cheese or herbs. This versatile dish is perfect for those following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet (with a few substitutions) and makes for a cozy breakfast or a side dish to accompany meat or stews.
Ingredients
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1 cup cornmeal
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4 cups water
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½ tsp salt
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1-2 tbsp butter or oil (optional)
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Sweetener or toppings such as maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, or fresh fruit (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Once the water is boiling, gradually whisk in the cornmeal to avoid clumps. Reduce the heat to low.
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Continue stirring the mixture constantly as it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If the mixture gets too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
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Add salt and butter or oil, if using, and stir to combine. For a sweeter dish, you can add sweetener of your choice at this stage, or wait until serving.
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Once the cornmeal mush has thickened and is smooth and creamy, remove it from the heat.
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Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, brown sugar, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 10-12 minutes
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Total time: 15-17 minutes
Variations
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Sweet Cornmeal Mush: Add maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar to the mush while cooking or drizzle over the top when serving. You can also stir in cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
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Savory Cornmeal Mush: Stir in grated cheese, chopped herbs, or sautéed vegetables to make it a savory dish. You could also add a fried egg on top for a more filling meal.
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Cornmeal Mush with Milk: Replace some or all of the water with milk or a dairy-free milk alternative (such as almond milk or oat milk) for a creamier texture.
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Baked Cornmeal Mush: For a different texture, pour the cooked cornmeal mush into a greased baking dish, top with butter or cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover cornmeal mush in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, add a bit of water or milk to the mush and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it with a splash of liquid to loosen it up.
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Freezing: Cornmeal mush can be frozen for up to 3 months. Once cooled, pour the mush into a freezer-safe container, and freeze. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm as usual.
FAQs
1. Can I make cornmeal mush ahead of time?
Yes, you can make cornmeal mush ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little added liquid when ready to serve.
2. Can I use cornmeal with a different grind for mush?
Yes, you can use fine or medium-grind cornmeal. The texture of the mush will vary slightly, but the recipe will work with either.
3. Can I add other grains to cornmeal mush?
Yes, you can blend cornmeal with other grains like polenta or grits for a different texture or flavor. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
4. Can I make this dish without butter?
Yes, you can skip the butter or substitute it with oil or dairy-free margarine for a non-dairy version.
5. Can I add fruit to the cornmeal mush?
Absolutely! You can stir in fresh or dried fruits like berries, bananas, or raisins either during cooking or as a topping when serving.
6. Is cornmeal mush the same as polenta?
Cornmeal mush and polenta are similar, but polenta is usually made with coarser cornmeal, which gives it a firmer texture. Cornmeal mush is typically smoother and softer.
7. How do I make my cornmeal mush creamier?
To make your mush creamier, substitute some of the water with milk or a milk alternative, and add a bit more butter or oil.
8. Can I use instant cornmeal to make mush?
Yes, you can use instant cornmeal, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be much shorter (about 2-3 minutes), and the texture may be slightly different.
9. How thick should cornmeal mush be?
Cornmeal mush should have a creamy, porridge-like consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more water or milk to reach your desired texture.
10. Can I make this dish savory instead of sweet?
Yes, simply omit the sweeteners and butter and instead stir in grated cheese, sautéed vegetables, or herbs for a savory variation.
Conclusion
Cornmeal Mush is the ultimate comfort food—simple, warm, and versatile. Whether you enjoy it sweet with maple syrup or savory with cheese and herbs, this dish can be customized to suit your preferences. It’s a budget-friendly meal that’s easy to make and full of heart. Serve it as a cozy breakfast or as a side dish, and let this classic recipe bring a sense of warmth and tradition to your table.
Cornmeal Mush
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cornmeal Mush is a comforting and versatile dish made from cornmeal, water, and salt. This creamy porridge can be enjoyed sweet with maple syrup or fruit, or savory with cheese and herbs. Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish, it’s a gluten-free, dairy-free meal that’s both simple and satisfying. A great way to start your day or complement your dinner!
Ingredients
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1 cup cornmeal
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4 cups water
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½ tsp salt
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1-2 tbsp butter or oil (optional)
- Sweetener or toppings such as maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, or fresh fruit (optional)
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Gradually whisk in the cornmeal to avoid clumping, then reduce the heat to low.
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Stir the mixture constantly as it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If it becomes too thick, add more water to reach your desired consistency.
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Stir in salt and butter or oil, if using. For a sweeter flavor, add sweetener at this stage, or wait until serving.
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Once the cornmeal mush has thickened and is smooth, remove from heat.
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Serve hot with your choice of toppings, such as maple syrup, brown sugar, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
Sweet Cornmeal Mush: Add maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar while cooking or drizzle over the top when serving. For extra warmth, stir in cinnamon or nutmeg.Savory Cornmeal Mush: Add grated cheese, sautéed vegetables, or herbs for a savory variation. Top with a fried egg for a more filling meal.Milk Version: Replace some or all of the water with milk or a non-dairy alternative for a creamier texture.Baked Cornmeal Mush: Pour cooked mush into a greased baking dish, top with butter or cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes for a different texture.
