Old Fashioned Cornmeal Mush
Old Fashioned Cornmeal Mush is a comforting, hearty dish featuring creamy cornmeal with a subtly nutty flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a simple meal, it can be enjoyed warm with milk and sugar or transformed into crispy fried slices. A nostalgic Southern classic loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cornmeal, salt, and cold water together and stir into boiling water very slowly.
- Turn down the heat and cook slowly, stirring, for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Eat warm with milk and sugar or a lump of butter.
- If desired, pour into an oiled loaf pan and store overnight to set.
- The next day, slice and fry until crisp in hot fat over hot fire.
- Serve immediately with butter and syrup.
Tips & Substitutions
When making cornmeal mush, ensure to add the cornmeal mixture to the boiling water slowly to prevent clumping. For a creamier texture, you can substitute some of the cold water with milk. If you prefer a more savory flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the mixture. This dish pairs beautifully with Orange And Avocado Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cornmeal mush warm, topped with butter and syrup for a sweet breakfast treat. It also makes a great side dish, especially when paired with savory items like a hearty stew or chili. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, such as Green Pepper Relish, for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the cornmeal mush cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For reheating, slice the mush and pan-fry in a little butter or oil until heated through and crispy on the outside.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Cornmeal Mush contains roughly 1025 calories, with 27g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1766mg per serving (77% 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 cornmeal mush ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare cornmeal mush in advance. After cooking, pour it into an oiled loaf pan and let it set overnight in the fridge. The next day, slice and fry until crisp for a delightful breakfast or side dish.
What type of cornmeal should I use?
It's best to use white cornmeal for this recipe, as it yields a smoother texture. However, you can also use yellow cornmeal if that's what you have on hand, but the flavor and color may differ slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by using plant-based milk instead of traditional dairy. Additionally, omit the butter or use a vegan butter substitute when serving.
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).