Corn Chaff with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) cornmeal 2 cups (400g) cornmeal
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cornmeal to the boiling water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the cornmeal simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   In a separate pan, heat some vegetable oil and sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they are soft and fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the tomatoes, thyme, paprika, and salt to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. 6.
   Pour the vegetable mixture into the pot with the cornmeal and stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Corn Chaff hot with a side of fried plantains or steamed greens.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to gradually add the cornmeal to the boiling water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
• Bell peppers — Dice the bell peppers into small pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to release its flavors more effectively.
• Thyme — Use fresh thyme if possible for a more vibrant taste.
• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as carrots or spinach.
• To make it heartier, add cooked beans or lentils to the Corn Chaff.
• Experiment with different spices like curry powder or cumin for a unique twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Corn Chaff hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, drizzle a little olive oil on top of the Corn Chaff and sprinkle some paprika or thyme leaves. Serve it alongside a colorful side dish to create a visually pleasing plate.