How to cook cornmeal

Cornmeal is a unique product that, with its budget price, has many beneficial properties. It contains no gluten, so it can be introduced into children's diets, while the grain has a sufficient amount of vitamins.

Cornmeal is used to prepare a well-known dish - porridge. It can be cooked in a pot, in a multicooker, in a microwave oven, and even in a clay pot. Cooking corn porridge at home is not as simple as it seems at first glance. You need to have minimal knowledge about cooking porridge, and be patient, as the dish takes no less than half an hour to prepare. However, in the end, you will have a ready dish - hearty, healthy, and delicious.

Useful facts about cornmeal and porridge

1. In 100 grams of corn kernels, there are 8.3 grams of protein, as well as 71 grams of carbohydrates. And there is very little fat, no more than 1.2 grams. The energy value is 328 kcal.
2. This product is a source of dietary fiber (4.8 grams in 100 grams of grain). Including porridge in your diet can improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as the fiber contained in the grain is essential for the intestines.
3. Cornmeal is rich in vitamins A, B, E, K, and PP. Because of this, the dish is beneficial for the entire body.
4. The grains contain phosphorus and calcium. By including porridge in the daily diet, you can improve the condition of your hair and nails. And the potassium and magnesium in the product positively affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
5. Cornmeal has a lot of nicotinic acid, so it is recommended for people with elevated cholesterol levels.
6. The grain should be stored in a dry and cool place for no more than 24 months. Cooked products can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Secrets and recommendations

1. The ideal porridge is obtained in a pot with a thick bottom. In this dish, it does not burn to the bottom, making it much easier to cook - you won’t have to stir every minute.
2. To get tasty porridge, adhere to the ratio of "grain/water". 1 part of corn kernels to 3 parts of water for a thick porridge. If you want a liquid dish, increase the amount of water to 5 cups for 1 cup of grain.
3. If you have a multicooker at home, cook the porridge in it. This miracle helper simplifies the cooking process and reduces cooking time.
4. How long to boil corn porridge? On the stove in a pot, the dish boils for 30 minutes, in a multicooker for 30-40 minutes, in a microwave for 13-15 minutes, and in a pot in the oven for 50 minutes.

How to cook corn porridge in water

A dish made with the addition of water contains a minimal number of calories, which is why it is often included in a dietary diet. Porridge is served at the table as a standalone dish or as a side dish with fish and meat.

We will need:

• cornmeal (fine grind) - 1 cup;
• purified drinking water - 3 cups;
• salt - 1/4 teaspoon;
• butter - a small piece.

Preparation:

1. First, rinse the grain thoroughly, placing it in a pot of water. Change the liquid several times until the water is clear.
2. In a pot with a thick bottom, pour in the required amount of drinking water. If you want to get crumbly porridge, pour in 3 cups of liquid, and for liquid corn porridge - 5 cups.
3. Put the pot on high heat and wait for it to boil. Then add salt, the rinsed cornmeal, and stir thoroughly with a spoon.
4. Wait for the porridge to boil. To avoid lumps, continuously stir the dish. Stir the porridge with movements from the bottom up, carefully lifting the grain from the bottom to the surface.
5. As soon as the corn porridge boils, turn down the heat and cook for no more than 30 minutes. After 20 minutes of waiting, you can check the porridge for readiness - if the grains are soft inside, it's time to remove the dish from the stove. If not, cook for another 10 minutes.
6. Do not forget to stir the porridge once every few minutes with a wooden spatula. Despite the fact that the dish is being cooked in thick-walled cookware, neglecting this rule should not be done.
7. Then add a piece of butter, turn off the heat, and leave covered for 10-20 minutes.
8. Serve at the table as an independent dish, garnished with pieces of fruit or raisins. You can sprinkle the corn porridge with sugar.

Corn porridge with milk and pumpkin

How to cook corn porridge in a multicooker

How to cook corn porridge in a microwave

You won't believe it - corn porridge can be cooked in a microwave. It never burns while cooking, the process takes just a few minutes. It's a great solution when you need to prepare a hearty and healthy dish for breakfast in no time.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse finely ground cornmeal (90 grams) in a sieve under running water or in a pot, changing the water several times.
2. In a clean microwave-safe dish, combine the cornmeal with sugar (10 grams) and pour in boiling water (350 ml).
3. Then stir with a spoon and place the dish in the microwave. Cook on maximum power for 3 minutes, then stir with a wooden spoon.
4. At the same power, cook for another 2 minutes - be sure to cover the dish with a lid.
5. It will turn into a thick, dense mass. Add 100 ml of hot water and a piece of butter, stir, and put it back in the microwave.
6. Set the settings to 600 W and the timer for 7 minutes. After this time, the porridge will be ready to serve. Enjoy your meal.

Corn porridge in a pot

Corn can also be cooked in pots. Oven-baked porridge turns out rich, juicy, and very appetizing. If desired, the dish can be served with dried fruits, pieces of fresh fruits, and nuts.

Ingredients for one serving:

• cornmeal - 50 grams;
• drinking water and milk - 100 ml each;
• salt - a pinch;
• butter - 10 grams.

Cooking process for the dish in a pot:

1. Soak the cornmeal in water and stir with a spoon - drain the liquid. Repeat once more. You need to change the water until it becomes clear. Three times is enough.
2. To prevent the clay pot from cracking during heating, it is recommended to soak it in water for 15 minutes.
3. Pour milk and water into the pot, then add the cornmeal with salt. Stir with a spoon.
4. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Place the pot in the oven and let the porridge cook.
5. After 30 minutes, take the pot out of the oven, stir the porridge with a spoon, and put it back.
6. Cook for another 15 minutes. Do not reduce the temperature, keep it the same.
7. Turn off the oven, do not take out the pot, let the porridge steep.
8. Serve the dish on plates and present it with a piece of butter. Enjoy your meal.

As you can see, knowing the nuances and tricks of the porridge cooking process can diversify your table and delight the whole family with a delicious and healthy dish. We hope the recommendations and tips from this article will be useful to you. And you'll add the recipes to your culinary collection.