Blue Corn Johnny Cakes
Blue Corn Johnny Cakes are a type of flatbread or pancake made from blue cornmeal, a staple ingredient in Southwestern American and Native American cuisine. The batter typically includes blue cornmeal, water or milk, and a pinch of salt, sometimes sweetened or enriched with egg. They are traditionally pan-fried until golden and crispy on the edges.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a source of complex carbohydrates and provides a good amount of dietary fiber. A standard serving offers a moderate calorie count, with key nutrients including iron, magnesium, and antioxidants from the blue corn.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 80 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Zinc | 1.2 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 60 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
Per 2 medium cakes (approx. 120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The distinctive blue color comes from anthocyanins, natural antioxidants also found in blueberries, making these cakes more nutrient-dense than their white or yellow corn counterparts. They have deep roots in the culinary traditions of the Pueblo peoples of the American Southwest.
