Cornmeal mush or porridge
Cornmeal mush, also known as corn porridge, is a simple, comforting dish made by simmering ground cornmeal in water or milk until it thickens into a creamy, spoonable consistency. It is a staple breakfast or side dish in many cultures, particularly across the Americas, Africa, and parts of Europe. Its basic ingredients are cornmeal, liquid, and a pinch of salt, often enhanced with butter, sugar, or spices.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, and is low in fat and protein unless enriched with additions like milk or butter. A standard serving offers a good amount of fiber and essential minerals like iron and magnesium, with a calorie range typically between 150-250 kcal depending on preparation.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
| Zinc | 1 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 45 mcg |
| Selenium | 6 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Cornmeal mush is a fascinating example of culinary simplicity and adaptation; it can be served hot as a porridge, or chilled, sliced, and fried to create a completely different texture known as polenta cakes or fried mush. Nutritionally, when made from whole-grain cornmeal, it retains the bran and germ, offering more fiber and nutrients than refined grain products.
