Bread with a mixture of flour and cornmeal

Flour and Maize Bread Mix - A Traditional Delicacy

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes (including rising time)
Number of servings: 10 generous slices

In search of a dish that brings back the taste of childhood and the joy of family meals, this flour and cornmeal bread mix recipe is the perfect choice. Made with simple ingredients within everyone's reach, this bread has a fluffy texture and an unmistakable taste. Its origins can be traced back to rural traditions, where women used flour-saving cornflour, an affordable ingredient. This recipe will not only fill your home with a lovely smell, but will also bring a bit of nostalgia into every slice.

Ingredients

- 200 g cornmeal
- 600 gr flour
- 700 ml water
- 50 ml oil (you can use olive oil for a more intense taste)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 30 gr fresh yeast

Preparation

1. Preparing the cornmeal: In a pot, add 500 ml of water and bring to boil. When the water starts to boil, add 200 gr of cornmeal and 1 tsp of salt. Stir continuously until the cornmeal doubles in volume and absorbs all the water, about 3-5 minutes. It does not need to be completely boiled, just enough to get a creamy consistency.

2. Activate yeast: In a separate bowl, rub 30 grams yeast with 1 tablespoon sugar. Add 200 ml warm water (not hot, so as not to destroy the yeast) and a handful of flour. Mix well until smooth. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and leave it to stand over the heat for about 10 minutes, until the mash has doubled in volume and is frothy.

3. Combining the ingredients: Take the cornflour mixture and add 50 ml oil. Mix well, then stir in the porridge, making sure it is warm, almost hot. Now start gradually adding the remaining flour (600g), stirring with a spatula or with your hands until the dough is smooth. Gently knead the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.

4. Dough: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the yeast to work its magic and give the bread that fluffy texture.

5. Shaping the bread: Once the dough has risen, line a 26/36cm baking tray with baking paper. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and shape them. You can opt for a traditional shape or braid the dough for a more interesting look. Place the pastry in the tray, leaving space between portions to allow for rising.

6. Second rising: Let the dough rise again, this time for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

7. Baking: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 35 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow when lightly tapped on the bottom.

8. Cool: After baking, remove the bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack. This will help maintain a perfect texture.

Tips and Tricks
- Cornmeal/Flour Ratio: If you like the texture and taste of cornmeal, you can experiment with the proportions. An interesting variation would be 300g cornmeal and 500g flour.
- Proofing: Make sure the place where you let the dough rise is warm and moist for optimal rising.
- Seeded version: You can add sunflower or sesame seeds to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Serving: This bread goes perfectly with salted butter or fresh cheese, but is also delicious with warm soup or stew.

Nutrition Facts
Flour and cornmeal bread contains carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats and is a good source of fiber. One serving (1 slice) has about 180 calories, providing the energy needed for an active day. Maize adds extra B vitamins and essential minerals such as magnesium.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried yeast?
Yes, you can replace the fresh yeast with 10 g dry yeast. Add it directly to the flour mixture.

2. How can I keep fresh bread longer?
Store bread in an airtight container or wrapped in aluminum foil. You can freeze slices to eat later.

3. Can I add other ingredients?
Of course! You can experiment with herbs, garlic or olives to give a unique flavor to your bread.

Now that you've got all the information you need, all that's left to do is get your hands to work and enjoy this flour and cornmeal bread mix! It's a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!