All-Corn Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cornmeal (ensure it’s labeled gluten-free)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional for a slightly sweet cornbread)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or dairy-free milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar for a buttermilk substitute)
• 1/4 cup melted butter or oil (plus more for greasing the pan)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place a cast-iron skillet or an 8×8-inch baking dish in the oven to preheat.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
2. Stir in the melted butter or oil.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; the batter will be slightly thick.
2. If the batter seems too thick, add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of buttermilk or water.

Step 5: Bake the Cornbread

1. Carefully remove the hot skillet or baking dish from the oven and coat it with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Pour the batter into the hot pan and spread it evenly.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let the cornbread cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve warm with butter, honey, or alongside your favorite dish.

Tips:

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 1/2 cups of any milk (or dairy-free milk) with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
• Sweetness: Traditional Southern cornbread often isn’t sweet, so you can omit the sugar or adjust it to your preference.
• Texture: For a slightly coarser texture, use stone-ground cornmeal.

Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 9 slices):

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Protein: ~4g
• Fat: ~6g
• Fiber: ~3g

This Gluten-Free All-Corn Cornbread is simple to make and pairs well with chili, soups, or BBQ. The use of all cornmeal gives it an authentic, rustic texture that’s both satisfying and gluten-free!