Homemade corn bread

Homemade Cornbread - A Nostalgic Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Homemade cornbread is not just a recipe; it is a story that connects us to childhood traditions, reminding us of moments spent in grandma's kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the entire house. Without a bread machine, but with a simple technique and a little skill, you can achieve a delicious bread with a golden crust and a fluffy crumb that will impress anyone.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg of flour
- 6 tablespoons of cornmeal
- 30 g of fresh yeast
- 8 tablespoons of oil (preferably olive or sunflower)
- 500 ml of warm milk/water or a combination of both
- 1 small cup of milk for the starter
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt

Ingredient tips:

- Flour: It is essential to use quality flour. Type 650 flour is ideal for bread, but you can also experiment with other types.
- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh. You can check if it is active by adding it to warm milk with sugar and waiting for it to foam.
- Oil: Oil not only helps achieve a finer texture but also flavors the bread. Olive oil adds a Mediterranean taste, while sunflower oil is more neutral.

Step by step:

1. Prepare the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Keep about a quarter of the amount for kneading. Make a well in the center of the flour.

2. The starter: In a small cup, dissolve the yeast in warm milk, add the sugar and a tablespoon of flour. Mix well and let the mixture sit in a warm place for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.

3. Mix the ingredients: Add the starter to the well in the flour, followed by the salt and oil. Gradually incorporate the warm milk or water, mixing with your hands until all the flour is absorbed.

4. Kneading: Sprinkle the work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This is a particularly enjoyable process that will remind you of playtime from childhood.

5. Rising: Form a ball from the dough and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for one hour, or until it doubles in volume.

6. Preparing for baking: Once the dough has risen, you can decide whether to make one large loaf or two smaller ones. If you choose to make them in loaf pans, grease the pans with oil and dust them with flour. Turn the risen dough into the pans and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the bread for about 15-20 minutes at a low temperature, then slightly increase the temperature and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. Make sure to use the straw method (poke the bread with a straw to check if it is baked - if it comes out clean, the bread is done).

8. Cooling and serving: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 20 minutes. Carefully detach it from the pans and wrap it in a clean towel. This step is essential for keeping its soft texture.

Personal note: I like to brush the bread with olive oil on top before baking to achieve a beautifully browned crust. You can also experiment with adding dried herbs or sesame seeds on the surface of the bread for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, being careful to use about 10 grams.

2. What type of flour can I use?
Wheat flour is the most suitable, but you can experiment with blends of whole grain or gluten-free flour.

3. How can I keep the bread fresh?
Bread keeps best in a cloth bag or a bread box at room temperature.

Delicious pairings: This cornbread is wonderful served warm, with butter or cheese, alongside a warm soup or a platter of cold cuts. You can also turn it into crispy toast for breakfast, served with fruit jam or honey.

Nutritional benefits: Homemade cornbread provides complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber, being an excellent source of energy. Cornmeal adds a distinct flavor and interesting texture, while also being a source of vitamins and minerals.

Try this homemade cornbread recipe and enjoy every bite! The cooking process becomes a pleasant and comforting experience, and the result will make you feel proud of your accomplishment. With each loaf baked, you will bring a touch of grandma's traditions into your home!