Bob's Red Mill Cornmeal Recipe: Delicious Ideas for Your Pantry Staple

Bob's Red Mill Cornmeal is a pantry staple that offers a wealth of culinary possibilities, from savory to sweet dishes. Known for its high quality and consistent texture, this cornmeal can elevate everyday meals and desserts to something special. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, the versatility of cornmeal allows you to explore various cuisines and techniques. Here, we'll dive into some delicious recipes that make the most of this fine-ground maize.

Why Choose Bob’s Red Mill Cornmeal?

Bob’s Red Mill is renowned for its commitment to quality, which makes their cornmeal an excellent choice:

• Non-GMO: Ensuring you’re getting cornmeal free from genetic modification.
• Gluten-Free: Ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Versatile Texture: Available in fine, medium, and coarse grinds to suit different recipes.

Classic Cornbread

Begin your cornmeal journey with a classic Southern comfort food – cornbread. Here’s how:

• 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar (optional for sweetness)
• 4 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease an 8-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and oil.
4. Mix wet ingredients into the dry, blending until just moistened. Pour into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm with butter.

🔍 Note: For a crispier crust, preheat the pan with oil or bacon grease before adding the batter.

Cornmeal Porridge

Start your day with a hearty and comforting bowl of cornmeal porridge:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Cornmeal
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of cinnamon
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Milk or non-dairy milk for serving

Steps:

1. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal to avoid lumps.
3. Reduce heat to low, stirring constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes.
4. Add condensed milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring well.
5. Serve hot with a splash of milk or as is.

Polenta with Tomato Sauce

Polenta is a creamy, comforting dish that serves as a fantastic base for sauces:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Cornmeal
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper
• Your favorite tomato sauce
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Bring broth to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in cornmeal.
2. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently until creamy.
3. Add butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until melted and combined.
4. Spoon polenta onto plates, top with tomato sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan.

🔍 Note: Polenta can set quickly, so serve immediately, or you can cool and slice it for grilling or frying later.

Grilled Cornmeal Flatbread

For a unique and flavorful addition to your dinner, try making a grilled cornmeal flatbread:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp yeast
• 1 ½ cups Bob’s Red Mill Cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Assorted toppings like herbs, garlic, cheese, or roasted vegetables

Steps:

1. Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast over, and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and olive oil in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture, and mix to form a dough.
3. Knead until smooth, about 10 minutes. Let rise for 1 hour.
4. Divide dough, shape into flatbreads, and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, adding toppings as desired.

In summary, Bob's Red Mill Cornmeal is not just an ingredient; it's a ticket to culinary exploration. From classic American dishes like cornbread to international treats like polenta, this cornmeal can adapt to a plethora of recipes. Its fine texture and quality ensure that your dishes are not only flavorful but also consistent in their outcome. Whether you're making a quick breakfast, a hearty dinner, or a side to complement your main course, Bob's Red Mill Cornmeal offers versatility and reliability in every grain. Use it to experiment, create, and enjoy the rich flavors it brings to your table.

Can Bob’s Red Mill Cornmeal be used in gluten-free baking?

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Yes, Bob’s Red Mill Cornmeal is gluten-free and can be used as an alternative to wheat flour in many recipes, especially for those avoiding gluten.

How should I store cornmeal for best results?

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Store it in a cool, dry place like your pantry. For longer shelf life, consider keeping it in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve its freshness and flavor.

What’s the difference between fine, medium, and coarse cornmeal?

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The difference lies in the texture and usage:

• Fine Cornmeal: Best for baking and creating smoother textures.
• Medium Cornmeal: Versatile for baking and can be used for coatings.
• Coarse Cornmeal: Ideal for polenta or when you want a gritty texture in your dish.