What’s the distinction between cornmeal and masa harina? They’re each constituted of corn (normally dent corn), however the way in which they’re processed is sort of completely different, they usually’re typically greatest utilized in completely different sorts of recipes, with some exceptions.
Cornmeal is solely floor dried corn and is usually pretty coarse in consistency, and normally yellow in coloration, although you will discover white cornmeal too.
Coarse cornmeal and medium-ground cornmeal can be utilized for making polenta (conventional corn polenta is basically the identical factor, besides it’s constituted of flint corn as an alternative of dent corn; nonetheless, both variety could be cooked right into a thick porridge). This coarser cornmeal can also be helpful for guaranteeing a pizza crust doesn’t follow a skillet or baking sheet
Extra finely floor cornmeal can be utilized to dredge meals for frying, and whereas the consistency used can range by recipe, cornmeal can also be the first ingredient in cornbread and lots of different baked items.
For those who wish to DIY, you’ll be able to make your own cornmeal by grinding popcorn kernels in a meals processor or high-powered blender. For the most effective corn taste, although, search for stone-ground cornmeal—however word that it doesn’t final fairly as lengthy for the reason that oily germ and bran will not be eliminated earlier than grinding and they’re extra perishable.
Grits are technically simply one other type of cornmeal, however are much more coarsely floor, and are additionally typically constituted of hominy, which is corn that has been handled with lime to take away the hull and germ.
Masa harina can also be constituted of hominy, however is floor a lot finer (normally to the identical consistency as all-purpose flour—masa is typically referred to as corn flour, in truth). Whereas typically white in coloration, you will discover yellow masa too, and even blue masa harina (labeled azul).
All masa is handled with slaked lime or wood-ash lye and is constituted of a moist corn dough that’s then dehydrated so it may be saved longer (that’s, the dried corn kernels are cooked and soaked in lime water, then floor whereas moist earlier than being dried out into the wonderful flour).
To make masa dough, all it’s important to do is add water again. Masa is the principle ingredient in selfmade corn tortillas and in tamales. You can too add small quantities of masa to issues like chili and soups as a thickening agent, and use it instead of wheat flour in lots of recipes too (together with cornbread).
Listed here are some methods to make use of each corn merchandise in your cooking.
Eggplant and Mushroom Polenta Bake
Swiss Chard Tamales
Mini Tamale Pies
Masa harina kinds a young crust for these mini tamale pies that work equally effectively as a recreation day snack or a enjoyable dinner that even youngsters will like. Get our Mini Tamale Pies recipe.
Easy Masa Dough
This primary masa dough is a superb start line for making all kinds of tamales. It requires lard, which is conventional (and scrumptious), however it’s also possible to substitute vegetable shortening and even coconut oil (which can impart a faint coconut taste). Get our Easy Masa Dough recipe.
Pork Mole Tamales
One thought for filling your tamales: pork mole (or any sort of mole, actually). Get our Pork Mole Tamales recipe. For a veggie model (so long as you don’t use lard within the tamale dough), you’ll be able to strive our Bean and Cheese Tamales recipe.
Sweet Corn Humitas
Much like tamales, humitas are an Ecuadorean dish that mix masa with contemporary corn kernels and cheese. Make it with the final of summer time’s corn, or swap in frozen when there aren’t any extra contemporary ears to be discovered. Get our Sweet Corn Humitas recipe.
Jerk Turkey Chili
Masa can also be helpful when it’s not a primary ingredient—it’s a standard secret weapon for thickening chili of all types (it additionally lends physique to the normal Mexican drink atole), and cornmeal can be utilized the identical manner. Get our Jerk Turkey Chili recipe.
Moist Cornbread
Talking of cornmeal, its most well-known software needs to be cornbread, and there are various methods to make it. Ours is evenly sweetened, however you’ll be able to reduce on the sugar in case you choose. Get our Moist Cornbread recipe. (And take a look at our Skillet Cornbread recipe too.)
Corn Dogs
OK, corn dogs in all probability run a detailed second in terms of favourite cornmeal recipes. Making your personal at residence isn’t that tough and it’ll transport you straight to the state honest (in a great way). Get our Corn Dogs recipe.
Cornmeal Fried Catfish
Finely floor cornmeal mixed with flour (gluten-free if want be) makes a scrumptious, crisp coating for fried meals like fish or inexperienced tomatoes. Simply don’t use too-coarse cornmeal or the feel can be unpleasantly gritty. Get our Cornmeal Fried Catfish recipe.
Cornmeal Pancakes
Including cornmeal to pancakes makes for a heartier tackle a traditional breakfast, excellent for topping with a butter-enriched pecan maple syrup. Get our Cornmeal Pancakes recipe.
Olive Oil Cake
Cornmeal can work in dessert too. This scrumptious cake has a barely crunchy texture from the addition of coarse cornmeal, is moist with out being greasy, and is strongly flavored with olive oil (so ensure you use one), plus a whisper of orange zest and amaretto. Get our Olive Oil Cake recipe.
