Basque Cornbread (Pain De Maïs)

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 2
Basque Cornbread (Pain De Maïs) recipe for a hearty breakfast or a snack
in Bread

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

2 hr

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1/4 cup honey
3 cups water ( warm 100-115 F , too hot will kill the yeast )
4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
4 1/2 - 5 cups bread flour
3 cups cornmeal ( plus extra cornmeal to dust baking sheet ) or 3 cups polenta ( plus extra cornmeal to dust baking sheet )
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil ( plus olive oil to coat bowl )
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12
Calories
244
Sugar
6g
Fat
7g
Basque Cornbread, or Pain De Maïs, is a traditional bread from the Basque region of France and Spain. It is made with a combination of bread flour, cornmeal or polenta, olive oil, honey, and yeast. The result is a hearty loaf with a golden crust and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. This bread is perfect for a leisurely breakfast or snack, and it pairs well with savory or sweet toppings. It is also a great way to use up any leftover cornmeal or polenta from previous meals.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, mix together the honey, warm water, and active dry yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes or until bubbly.
2.Add the bread flour, cornmeal/polenta, salt, olive oil, egg, and milk. Mix together until a dough forms.
3.Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
4.Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5.Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal.
6.Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
7.Use a sharp knife to score the top of the loaf with a cross or spiral pattern.
8.Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

PROS

This Basque Cornbread is a hearty and flavorful bread that is perfect for a breakfast or snack.
It is easy to make and can be enjoyed plain or with toppings like cheese, jam, or honey.

CONS

This bread can be quite dense and heavy, so it may not be for everyone.
It also requires some time for rising and baking, so it is not a quick recipe.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This bread is high in fiber and protein, thanks to the cornmeal and bread flour. It also contains healthy fats from the olive oil and egg. Cornmeal and polenta are also rich in antioxidants and nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.
However, this bread is also high in carbs and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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