Chef John’s Rustic Italian Corn Bread

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 5
Chef John's Rustic Italian Corn Bread Recipe
in Bread

Prep

15 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

1 hr

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 cup warm water
1/2 cup bread flour
1 ( .25 ounce ) package active dry yeast
1/8 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups bread flour , or as needed
1 tablespoon cornmeal , or as needed

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8-10
Calories
231
Sugar
1g
Fat
7g
Corn bread is a traditional American bread that has been around for centuries. It was initially made by Native Americans using ground corn and water, but European settlers later added wheat flour and other ingredients to make the bread more substantial and flavorful. Over time, corn bread became a staple of Southern cuisine and was often served with beans, greens, and other comfort foods. This recipe, inspired by Italian flavors, adds a unique twist to the classic corn bread by using olive oil and bread flour in addition to cornmeal. The result is a hearty and aromatic bread that pairs well with a wide range of dishes.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.In a large bowl, mix warm water, 1/2 cup bread flour, yeast, and sugar until well combined. Let sit for 10-15 minutes or until frothy.
3.Stir in 1/2 cup cornmeal, olive oil, and salt. Mix in 2 cups of bread flour gradually until you have a dough.
4.Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
5.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and set aside to rise for 45 minutes.
6.Dust a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of cornmeal, then shape the dough into a round ball and place it on top of the cornmeal.
7.Let the dough sit again for another 10-15 minutes before baking in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
8.Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

PROS

This rustic Italian corn bread is a great accompaniment to soups, stews, and other hearty dishes.
The recipe is easy to follow even for beginners, and the result is a fluffy and moist bread with a crispy crust.

CONS

Corn bread is high in carbohydrates and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation if you’re watching your weight.
The bread is also not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, as it contains gluten from the wheat flour.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Although corn bread is not particularly nutritious, it does have some health benefits. Cornmeal is a good source of fiber and essential minerals such as iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. Olive oil, which is used in this recipe, is a healthy fat that can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

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