Proja - Serbian Cornbread

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) cornmeal 2 cups (240g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (470ml) buttermilk 2 cups (470ml) buttermilk
• 3 eggs 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (feta or cheddar) 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (feta or cheddar)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill) Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill)

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 10g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
5. 5.
   Fold in the grated cheese and chopped herbs, if using.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and smooth the top.
7. 7.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Allow the Proja to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine or medium-grind cornmeal for the best texture in the cornbread.
• 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.
• Cheese — Feta or cheddar cheese work well in this recipe, but you can experiment with other types of cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Fresh herbs — Adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill enhances the taste and adds a refreshing touch to the cornbread.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced sautéed onions to the batter.
• Serve Proja warm with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy contrast.
• Leftover Proja can be reheated in the oven or toaster for a quick and delicious snack.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your Proja.
• Proja pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as stews, soups, or grilled meats.

Serving advice

Serve Proja as a side dish alongside traditional Serbian dishes like cevapi (grilled sausages) or sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls). It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or as part of a brunch spread.

Presentation advice

Cut the Proja into squares or wedges and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Serve it warm to showcase its golden crust.