Golden Fried Cornmeal Cakes
This delightful recipe for Golden Fried Cornmeal Cakes offers a crispy exterior with a soft and creamy interior, perfect for breakfast or a comforting side dish. Inspired by Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet, this version elevates traditional fried cornmeal mush into a delightful treat. The process begins with a rich cornmeal mixture that simmers gently, then chills overnight to achieve the perfect texture. The next day, you slice and fry the cakes until they're beautifully golden, serving them with melted butter and a drizzle of maple syrup or your favorite toppings. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that brings both nostalgia and flavor to your table.
N/A
Servings
140
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
6 cups (boiling)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Yellow cornmeal
1 cup (none)
Flour
4 tablespoons (for dredging and mixing)
Instructions
1
In a heavy pot, bring 6 cups of water to a rapid boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, stir in the salt and gradually add the yellow cornmeal while continuously whisking to avoid lumps.
3
Continue stirring for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
After simmering, quickly stir in the flour until fully incorporated.
6
Pour the cornmeal mixture into a lightly oiled loaf pan, smoothing the top, and refrigerate overnight to firm up.
7
The next day, carefully remove the chilled cornmeal from the pan and slice it into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
8
Dredge each slice lightly in flour for even browning during frying.
9
In a large skillet, heat your choice of oil, butter, or bacon fat over medium heat.
10
Fry the slices slowly, about 15 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
11
Serve hot with butter and maple syrup or your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
18g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Golden Fried Cornmeal Cakes?
They are a dish featuring a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior made from a chilled cornmeal mixture that is sliced and fried.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 main ingredients: water, salt, yellow cornmeal, and flour.
How much water is needed?
You will need 6 cups of water.
What type of cornmeal should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of yellow cornmeal.
How long does the cornmeal mixture need to simmer?
It should simmer on low heat for 30 minutes after reaching a porridge-like consistency.
When should the flour be added to the mixture?
The flour should be stirred in quickly after the 30-minute simmering period is complete.
Do I need to refrigerate the cornmeal mixture?
Yes, the mixture must be poured into a loaf pan and refrigerated overnight to firm up.
How thick should I slice the chilled cornmeal?
Slice the chilled cornmeal into pieces that are 1/4-inch thick.
Should I coat the slices before frying?
Yes, you should dredge each slice lightly in flour to ensure even browning.
What can I use to fry the cornmeal cakes?
You can use your choice of oil, butter, or bacon fat.
How long does it take to fry each side?
The slices should be fried slowly for about 15 minutes per side until golden brown.
What is the total frying time per slice?
The total frying time is approximately 30 minutes per slice.
What are the suggested toppings for serving?
They are best served hot with butter and maple syrup or your favorite toppings.
Can this be served for breakfast?
Yes, these cornmeal cakes are perfect for breakfast or as a comforting side dish.
What is the calorie count for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 140 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in these cornmeal cakes?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as an easy-to-follow recipe that brings nostalgia and flavor to the table.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
It is categorized as American cuisine.
Who inspired this specific version of the recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Jeff Smith, also known as The Frugal Gourmet.
Why must I whisk the cornmeal while adding it to water?
Whisking continuously while adding the cornmeal helps to avoid lumps in the mixture.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much flour is used in the mixture?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of flour for mixing and dredging.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, the pot should be covered for the 30-minute simmering stage.
What kind of pan should I use to set the cornmeal?
A lightly oiled loaf pan is recommended for setting the mixture.
Does this recipe have a specific category?
While listed as a side or breakfast item, it is generally considered comfort food.
Can I use bacon fat for frying?
Yes, bacon fat is one of the recommended options for frying these cakes.
Is this similar to cornmeal mush?
Yes, it is an elevated version of traditional fried cornmeal mush.
What temperature should I use for frying?
The cakes should be fried over medium heat.