If you find yourself yearning for a taste of home while living abroad, you’re not alone. Many South Africans miss the familiar comforts of traditional foods that embody the warmth of family gatherings and cultural celebrations. One such dish is mielie bread, a beloved staple across South Africa. This corn-based bread is not just a food item; it’s a comforting reminder of home.
In this recipe, we’ll take you through the steps to recreate this delicious bread, perfect for serving alongside a hearty stew, a braai, or enjoying on its own. This classic South African dish is sure to bring a little piece of home to wherever you are in the world.
What is South African mielie bread?
Mielie Bread is basically cornbread, and it’s such a beloved dish with deep roots in the indigenous cultures of Africa and the Americas. The Afrikaans word “mielie” means ‘maize,’.
While concrete records of its exact origins are limited, Mielie Bread remains a fundamental part of South African food culture, with various communities offering their own unique takes on this bread.
Making an authentic South African Mealie bread
Ingredients
- 2-3 fresh ears of corn (approximately 2 cups); however, if fresh corn is unavailable, frozen or canned varieties will suffice.
- 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (95g) cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) sour cream
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
Step-by-step guide to making Mealie bread
Making mealie bread is a delightfully simple process. Follow these steps to bring a taste of South Africa into your kitchen:
Preparation
- Preheat the oven and prepare the cake pan. Set the oven to 350℉ and grease and flour a 10-inch cake pan, then set it aside.
- Remove the corn kernels from the cob. Take off the husk from the corn and use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob from top to bottom, collecting them along with their juices in a large bowl. Use the back of the knife to scrape the remaining corn from the cobs. Repeat with the rest of the corn.
- Coarsely grind the corn kernels. In a food processor or blender, pulse the corn without adding water until you achieve a coarse texture, avoiding pureeing it.
Making the Batter
- Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, smoked paprika, and salt, and whisk until well mixed.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients. Add sour cream, milk, and lightly beaten eggs, whisking until everything is well blended.
- Mix in the remaining ingredients. Fold in the corn mixture, melted butter, and basil.
- Pour the batter and bake. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan. If you have any leftover corn, sprinkle it on top of the batter. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the top is light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Enjoying your South African Mealie bread
Mealie bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. Serve it as a side dish at your next braai, or pair it with a robust stew to soak up all the rich flavours. It also makes a delightful snack on its own, providing a nostalgic taste of South African hospitality.
Mielie Bread; a taste of home, wherever you are
For South Africans living abroad, mealie bread offers more than just sustenance—it’s a connection to culture, family, and cherished memories. By following this simple recipe for mealie bread, you can bring that comforting taste of home into your kitchen, no matter where you are.
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