Old Fashioned Corn Meal Mush

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Old Fashioned Corn Meal Mush offers a comforting, hearty dish with a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, perfect for breakfast or a cozy family meal.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. corn meal
  • 1 Tbsp. flour
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 6 c. boiling water
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 2 c. cold water

Instructions

  1. Mix the corn meal, flour, and sugar with the cold water, then stir into the boiling water to which the salt has been added. When thoroughly mixed, cover tightly.
  2. Reduce the heat to the lowest point and let simmer for 30 minutes, or longer, stirring occasionally to prevent lumping.
  3. Turn off the heat and let steam for 30 minutes without lifting the cover.
  4. Serve warm with milk or cream or pour into a greased loaf pan.
  5. When cool, slice and fry.
  6. Serve with syrup.

Tips & Substitutions

To prevent lumps in the mush, ensure you mix the corn meal, flour, and sugar thoroughly with cold water before adding it to the boiling water. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute part of the water with milk. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour instead of regular flour.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the corn meal mush warm, drizzled with milk or cream, or slice it and fry it for a crispy texture. It pairs wonderfully with homemade syrup or fruit preserves. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a hearty dish like Sunday Roast or your favorite breakfast items.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover corn meal mush in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to the mush and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned Corn Meal Mush contains roughly 890 calories, with 21g protein, 193g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1390mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).

890 kcal 44% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.7g 41% DV
Total Fat 2g 3% DV
Carbs 192.5g 70% DV
Fiber 6.2g 22% DV
Sugar 28.6g 57% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1389.8mg 60% DV
Potassium 242.3mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 420mcg 47% DV
Vitamin C 29.7mg 33% DV
Vitamin D 1.9mcg 10% DV
Calcium 32.6mg 3% DV
Iron 11.9mg 66% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 corn meal mush in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mush ahead of time. After cooking, let it cool and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or milk to achieve your desired consistency.

What can I use instead of corn meal?

If you don't have corn meal, you can substitute it with polenta or finely ground corn flour. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly, but it will still create a similar dish.

How can I add flavor to my corn meal mush?

You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or incorporating cheese for a savory twist. For a sweeter version, consider mixing in honey or maple syrup, making it a delightful breakfast option.

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).

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