Toasted Cornmeal Porridge

Toasted Cornmeal Porridge Recipe from Ghana with Corn, Milk and Brown Sugar

Region / culture: Ghana | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Toasted Cornmeal Porridge is a traditional Ghanaian dish made from finely ground, roasted corn and hot milk. It is a comforting and nutritious breakfast option that is easy to make and delicious to eat.

History

Toasted Cornmeal Porridge, also known as Tom Brown porridge, has been a staple in Ghanaian cuisine for generations. It is a popular breakfast dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

2 cups of finely ground, roasted corn
3 and a half cups of hot milk
8 tsp of brown sugar, or more, according to taste

How to prepare

1. To make the ablemamu, dry-roast 2.5 cups of ordinary popcorn kernels. Remove from the heat just before the popcorn begins to pop, then cool and grind until powdery and fine in a spice or coffee grinder. Cool overnight.
2. Place the ablemamu in 4 cereal bowls. In each bowl, pour in a portion of the hot milk and add some sugar. Stir to mix thoroughly. It will thicken and swell to form a typical Tom Brown porridge. Sit back, smell it, tuck in, and...enjoy.

Variations

Add a mashed banana or some chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dry-roast the cornmeal until it is fragrant and slightly browned to enhance the flavor of the porridge.

- Stir the porridge constantly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.

- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Toasted Cornmeal Porridge hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Dry-roasting the cornmeal before cooking enhances the flavor of the porridge and gives it a nutty taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have roasted cornmeal, you can use regular cornmeal and toast it in a dry skillet before cooking.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dry-roasted cornmeal ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Toasted Cornmeal Porridge in individual bowls with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top for a touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy this porridge with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a complete breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Toasted Cornmeal Porridge can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Toasted Cornmeal Porridge contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Toasted Cornmeal Porridge is a rich source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day.

Fats

This porridge is low in fat, making it a healthy breakfast option.

Proteins

While not a significant source of protein, the milk in this recipe adds some protein to the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Toasted Cornmeal Porridge is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the milk and iron from the cornmeal.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of milk, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Toasted Cornmeal Porridge is a nutritious and filling breakfast option that is rich in carbohydrates and vitamins. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for starting your day.

Summary

Toasted Cornmeal Porridge is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy this traditional Ghanaian dish for a comforting start to your day.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Toasted Cornmeal Porridge. It was handed down to me by my own grandmother, who learned it from her mother, and so on. The history and tradition behind this dish is what makes it so special to me.

Growing up in a small village in Jamaica, my family didn't have much, but we always had a warm meal on the table. My grandmother was the one who taught me the importance of using simple, fresh ingredients and cooking with love. She would always say, "The secret ingredient is always love, my dear."

One day, as a young girl, I watched as my grandmother carefully toasted the cornmeal in a hot skillet until it turned a rich golden brown. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that this porridge was going to be something special.

She then added water and brought it to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. As the porridge thickened, she sweetened it with a little sugar and seasoned it with a pinch of salt. The finished dish was creamy and comforting, with a nutty flavor from the toasted cornmeal.

I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so delicious. From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect my grandmother's recipe and make it my own.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating flavors and techniques that I have picked up along the way. I have shared this dish with friends and family, and each time I serve it, I am reminded of my grandmother and the love she poured into every meal she made.

Toasted Cornmeal Porridge has become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I turn to when I need comfort or when I want to share a piece of my heritage with others. It is a reminder of where I come from and the strong women who came before me.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Toasted Cornmeal Porridge, I can't help but feel grateful for the traditions that have been passed down to me. Cooking is more than just following a recipe - it is a way to connect with my ancestors and honor their memory.

I hope that one day, I can pass this recipe down to my own grandchildren, along with the stories and memories that make it so special. In a world that is constantly changing, it is comforting to know that some things will always remain the same - like the taste of a warm bowl of Toasted Cornmeal Porridge on a cold winter's day.