Mush
Creamy, hearty mush made from cornmeal, perfect for comfort food lovers. Crispy fried slices offer a savory snack or side dish, appealing to those enjoying classic Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
- Gradually add 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, stirring constantly with a wire whisk.
- Cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then quickly add 4 tablespoons of flour and mix well.
- Pour the mush into an oiled loaf pan and refrigerate overnight until firm.
- Cut the chilled mush into 1/4-inch slices.
- Coat each slice with flour and fry in oil or fat until golden and crunchy, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or a tablespoon of butter when cooking the cornmeal. You can substitute the yellow cornmeal with white cornmeal or polenta if desired. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, omit the flour at the end or use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Stirring constantly while adding the cornmeal is key to preventing lumps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried mush slices as a hearty breakfast with a drizzle of maple syrup, or pair them with savory toppings like sautéed mushrooms or a dollop of sour cream. They also complement dishes like Jo Anne Erkert'S Swiss Steak beautifully, or can be enjoyed as a side with soups and stews for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mush in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice the chilled mush and pan-fry it in a bit of oil until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave slices for a quicker option, though they may not achieve the same crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mush contains roughly 679 calories, with 19g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value) and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 897mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by using a plant-based oil for frying instead of animal fats. Additionally, omit any dairy ingredients or substitutions for a completely vegan dish.
How can I make the mush spicier?
To add some heat, try mixing in spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika while cooking the cornmeal. You can also top the fried mush with hot sauce or serve it alongside spicy salsas for an extra kick.
What can I do with leftover mush?
Leftover mush can be sliced and fried as mentioned, but you can also cube it and toss it into salads or soups for added texture. Alternatively, blend it into a creamy soup base for a unique twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).