Mealie Bread Delight

Recipe

Mealie Bread Delight

Savory South African Cornbread: A Taste of Tradition

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of South African cuisine with this authentic Mealie Bread recipe. Made with maize meal, this traditional cornbread is a staple in South African households and is loved for its hearty texture and comforting taste.

Jan Dec
Sweet Bread› Mealie Bread
African cuisine› Southern African cuisine› South African cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

30-35 minutes

Total time

45-50 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Lactose-free

Allergens

Eggs, Dairy

Not suitable for

Gluten-free, Vegan, Egg-free, Dairy-free, Paleo

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 6g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Salt: 1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
  2. 2.
    In a large bowl, combine the maize meal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. 3.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil.
  4. 4.
    Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  5. 5.
    Gently fold in the corn kernels.
  6. 6.
    Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  7. 7.
    Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. 8.
    Allow the Mealie Bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Maize meal — Make sure to use fine maize meal for a smoother texture in the bread.
  • Buttermilk — If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Corn kernels — If using canned corn kernels, drain them well before adding to the batter.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a sweeter version, you can add an extra tablespoon of honey to the batter.
  • Serve the Mealie Bread warm with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.
  • Leftover Mealie Bread can be toasted and enjoyed as a breakfast treat.

Serving advice

Serve the Mealie Bread as a side dish with stews, soups, or grilled meats. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or breakfast item.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some corn kernels on top of the batter before baking. This will add a pop of color and make the bread even more visually appealing.

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