Beans and Wieners under Cornbread

Beans and Wieners under Cornbread Recipe - American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Beans and Wieners under Cornbread is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of all-beef wieners and vegetarian beans with the sweet and soft texture of cornbread. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or any occasion where you want to serve a filling and delicious meal. The combination of ingredients and flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, and it's relatively easy to prepare, making it a great option for cooks of all levels.

History

The concept of combining beans and wieners dates back to early American cuisine, where simple, hearty meals were a staple. The addition of cornbread as a topping is a nod to Southern cooking, where cornbread is a beloved side dish. Over time, this recipe has evolved, incorporating various ingredients such as catsup, mustard, and molasses to enhance the flavor. This dish represents a fusion of different culinary traditions, making it a unique and beloved recipe in American households.

Ingredients

24 oz (680 g) all-beef wieners
64 oz (1.81 kg) vegetarian beans
0.25 cup catsup
2 tbsp dijon-style mustard
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
2 tbsp dark molasses
2 tsp hot pepper sauce
2 scallions, including part of the green, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1.33 cup yellow cornmeal
0.67 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a skillet, brown the wieners, then cut them diagonally into 1-inch pieces.
In a rectangular baking dish, mix together the beans, catsup, mustard, sugar, molasses, and pepper sauce.
Stir in the wieners.
Meanwhile, sauté the green onion in oil until soft, then set it aside.
In a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in the sautéed green onion with oil.
In a small bowl, mix together the eggs and milk.
Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture until smooth.
Spoon the mixture over the casserole.
Bake for 30 minutes, then let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Variations

For a healthier version, consider using turkey wieners and low-sodium beans. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, to the bean mixture for added nutrition and flavor. For a different twist, try using a cheese-infused cornbread topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results, brown the wieners well before cutting them; this enhances their flavor. When mixing the cornbread batter, avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread soft and tender. For a spicier kick, you can adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce according to your taste. Lastly, letting the dish cool for 15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to cut.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served warm, directly from the oven. It can be accompanied by a side salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance to the meal. For a more indulgent serving, top with shredded cheese or sour cream.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the wieners and sautéing the green onions before adding them to the dish are key techniques that enhance the flavor of the final dish. Baking the cornbread topping until it's golden brown ensures a delightful texture contrast between the soft beans and the crisp cornbread.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose flour, and dairy-free milk can substitute for regular milk. Vegetarian wieners are an excellent alternative for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the bean and wiener mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, prepare the cornbread batter, top the bean mixture, and bake. This makes it a convenient option for busy days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dish in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or garnish the top with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp beer or a glass of chilled white wine pairs wonderfully with this dish, balancing the hearty flavors with a refreshing touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed. The cornbread topping is best when crispy, so oven reheating is recommended.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Beans and Wieners under Cornbread contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a relatively energy-dense meal, suitable for those looking for a hearty and satisfying dish.

Carbohydrates

This dish provides a good balance of carbohydrates, primarily from the beans, cornmeal, and flour. A serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, which includes sugars from the molasses and granulated sugar, as well as dietary fiber from the beans and cornmeal.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the all-beef wieners, olive oil, and eggs. A serving contains about 15 grams of fat, which includes both saturated and unsaturated fats. Using leaner wieners or substituting with turkey wieners can reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Beans and Wieners under Cornbread is a protein-rich dish, thanks to the all-beef wieners and beans. Each serving provides approximately 20 grams of protein, making it a satisfying meal that supports muscle health and overall nutrition.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and potassium, primarily from the beans and green onions. The eggs and milk in the cornbread also contribute calcium and Vitamin D.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (from all-purpose flour), eggs, and milk. Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should consider appropriate substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Beans and Wieners under Cornbread is a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty dish that can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Summary

Beans and Wieners under Cornbread is a classic, comforting dish that combines savory, sweet, and hearty flavors. With its rich history and versatility, it's a recipe that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're serving it at a family dinner or a casual gathering, it's sure to be a hit.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that belonged to my mother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and faded newspaper clippings, my eyes fell upon a recipe for Beans and Wieners under Cornbread. I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about it intrigued me.

I remembered my mother making a similar dish when I was a child, but she had never written down the recipe. I knew I had to give it a try and see if it tasted as good as I remembered. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories of my childhood flooded back to me.

I could almost smell the savory aroma of beans simmering on the stove and the sweet scent of cornbread baking in the oven. I could hear my mother's voice as she hummed a tune while she cooked, and I could feel the warmth of her kitchen wrapping around me like a cozy blanket.

I decided to make the dish that evening for dinner, and as I gathered the ingredients and started cooking, I felt like I was stepping back in time. The familiar smells and sounds filled my kitchen, and I couldn't help but smile as I stirred the pot of beans and wieners.

As the cornbread baked in the oven, I thought about all the meals my mother had cooked for our family over the years. She had a way of turning simple ingredients into delicious and comforting dishes that always brought us together around the table.

When the Beans and Wieners under Cornbread was finally ready, I couldn't wait to dig in. I spooned a generous portion onto my plate and took a bite, savoring the flavors that reminded me of my childhood. It was just as delicious as I remembered, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

I shared the dish with my family that night, and they all loved it. My children asked for seconds, and my husband praised my cooking skills. As we sat around the table enjoying our meal, I felt a sense of satisfaction and contentment wash over me.

From that moment on, Beans and Wieners under Cornbread became a regular dish in my household. I would make it for Sunday dinners, weeknight meals, and even special occasions. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to my mother and the generations of women who had come before me.

I shared the recipe with my friends and neighbors, and soon it became a favorite among them as well. They would often ask me for the recipe, and I would gladly share it with them, knowing that it would bring them the same joy and comfort that it brought me.

As the years passed, I continued to make Beans and Wieners under Cornbread for my loved ones, passing down the recipe to my children and grandchildren. It became a tradition in our family, a dish that would always remind us of the love and warmth that filled our home.

Now, as I look back on that fateful day when I found the recipe in my mother's old box, I am grateful for the memories it has brought me and the connections it has helped me forge with those I hold dear. Beans and Wieners under Cornbread will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds. And for that, I am truly thankful.