Mexican Spoon Bread

Mexican Spoon Bread Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make at Home

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mexican Spoon Bread is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of cornmeal, black beans, cheese, and jalapeños. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish for a Mexican-inspired meal.

History

Mexican Spoon Bread has its roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, where cornmeal is a staple ingredient. The addition of black beans and jalapeños gives this dish a unique and flavorful twist that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

2.5 cups water
1 cup ALBERS Yellow corn meal
3 maggi(r) vegetable bouillon Cubes
1 can (15 oz (425 g)) black beans, rinsed and drained
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup carnation evaporated milk
4 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp or more ORTEGA Diced jalapeños
2 tbsp butter or margarine

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
In a large saucepan, cook water, cornmeal, and bouillon, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil and the bouillon is dissolved.
Boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Add beans, cheese, evaporated milk, eggs, jalapeños, and butter. Stir until blended. Pour into the prepared dish.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Top with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro before serving, if desired.

Variations

Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for a heartier version of Mexican Spoon Bread.
Mix in diced bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the cornmeal mixture until it comes to a boil and the bouillon is fully dissolved to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- You can adjust the amount of jalapeños to suit your spice preference.

- Top the spoon bread with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, and cilantro for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Spoon Bread can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of vegetable bouillon cubes.

- Substitute pepper jack cheese for cheddar cheese for a spicier kick.

Make Ahead Tips

Mexican Spoon Bread can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and bake when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mexican Spoon Bread in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a dollop of sour cream.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mexican Spoon Bread with a refreshing cucumber salad, grilled shrimp skewers, and a pitcher of margaritas for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Mexican Spoon Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Spoon Bread contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexican Spoon Bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mexican Spoon Bread contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mexican Spoon Bread contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mexican Spoon Bread is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Mexican Spoon Bread contains dairy (cheese, milk, butter) and eggs.

Summary

Mexican Spoon Bread is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome meal option.

Summary

Mexican Spoon Bread is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its combination of cornmeal, black beans, cheese, and jalapeños, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting a friend in Mexico. We were invited to a traditional Mexican feast and I was amazed by all the delicious dishes laid out before us. But one dish in particular caught my eye - Mexican Spoon Bread.

I watched intently as the women in the kitchen prepared the dish. They mixed together cornmeal, butter, cheese, chilies, and eggs, creating a creamy mixture that was poured into a baking dish and baked until golden brown. The aroma that wafted from the oven was intoxicating, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I asked my friend's mother for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. She explained that Mexican Spoon Bread is a beloved dish in their family, passed down from generation to generation. Each family member had their own twist on the recipe, adding different spices or cheeses to make it their own.

I was thrilled to have this recipe in my collection and couldn't wait to make it for my own family back home. When I returned from Mexico, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. As the bread baked, the familiar scent filled my home, bringing back memories of that wonderful trip.

When it was finally ready, I couldn't wait to taste it. The bread was warm and cheesy, with just the right amount of heat from the chilies. It was a hit with my family, who couldn't get enough of it. From that day on, Mexican Spoon Bread became a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have continued to make Mexican Spoon Bread, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to perfect the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its unique flavor.

One day, while visiting a farmer's market, I met a woman who was selling fresh cornmeal. She told me that her family had been making Mexican Spoon Bread for generations and offered to share her family's recipe with me. I eagerly accepted, grateful for the opportunity to learn another variation of this beloved dish.

I tried out the new recipe and was blown away by the depth of flavor. The addition of fresh corn and cilantro gave the bread a delicious sweetness and freshness that I had never experienced before. I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in my collection.

As I continued to make Mexican Spoon Bread, I realized that each recipe I came across had its own unique story and history behind it. Whether it was passed down through generations or shared by a stranger at a market, each recipe had a special meaning that made it even more enjoyable to cook and share with others.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing another batch of Mexican Spoon Bread, I can't help but feel grateful for all the wonderful recipes I have collected over the years. Each one holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the people and places that have inspired me along the way.

And as I take a bite of the warm, cheesy bread, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Mexico, surrounded by friends and family, sharing in the joy of a delicious meal. The memories flood back, filling me with a sense of happiness and contentment that can only come from good food and good company. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share these recipes, those memories will never fade.