Hand Ground and Oven Roasted Cornmeal Mush

Transform simple ingredients into rustic comfort food with this Hand Ground and Oven Roasted Cornmeal Mush recipe. Crafted from freshly ground dried corn kernels, this dish celebrates the art of slow, traditional cooking while delivering a rich, creamy texture and earthy flavor. Starting on the stovetop and finishing in the oven, the mush develops a golden, slightly crisp crust that beautifully contrasts with its velvety interior. Enhanced with butter, heavy cream, and optional fresh herbs, this versatile dish can be served as a standalone side or paired with savory toppings like sautéed vegetables or a poached egg for a hearty main course. Perfect for those who love wholesome, homemade meals, this recipe highlights the beauty of minimal ingredients elevated through technique.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:65 mins

Total Time:85 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dried corn kernels
• 5 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Optional: Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme or parsley)

Directions

Step 1

Place the dried corn kernels in a grain mill or robust food processor and grind them into a coarse cornmeal. Alternatively, use a mortar and pestle for truly hand-ground results. Set aside the freshly ground cornmeal.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.

Step 3

While whisking continuously, slowly sprinkle in the ground cornmeal. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth texture. Lower the heat to medium-low.

Step 4

Stir the mixture frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent sticking. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Step 5

Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring until fully combined. This adds richness and a smoother texture to the mush.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil an 8-inch square baking dish or similar ovenproof dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 7

Transfer the cooked cornmeal mush to the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle fresh herbs over the top for added flavor.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and allow the mush to cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting it into squares or wedges.

Step 10

Serve warm on its own or pair with savory toppings such as sautéed vegetables, cheese, or a poached egg for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1818.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2369.7

Total Fat 98.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 185.8mg	0%
Sodium 2739.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 331.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.8g	0%
Total Sugars 2.9g
Protein 42.4g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 111.9mg	0%
Iron 12.2mg	0%
Potassium 1297.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.1%

Protein: 7.1%

Carbs: 55.8%