Cook the Book: George Washington's Favorite Corn Cakes

Vegetarian
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Health score
10%
Cook the Book: George Washington's Favorite Corn Cakes
45 min.
4
464kcal

Suggestions


Step back in time and tantalize your taste buds with George Washington’s favorite corn cakes, a delightful dish that embodies rustic charm and historical significance. These corn cakes are not just a nod to the past; they are a deliciously simple vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free option perfect for any meal. With a cooking time of just 45 minutes, you can savor a unique side dish that celebrates traditional American cuisine.

What makes this recipe so special is the use of stone-ground white cornmeal, elevating the texture and flavor of the corn cakes to new heights. The method creates a light, airy batter that transforms into golden-brown cakes, perfect for serving with a drizzle of honey or a smear of butter. Not only do you get to enjoy a meal steeped in history, but you also engage in a cooking experience that allows the ingredients to shine. The fermentation process overnight results in a subtle depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with various toppings.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a cozy meal at home, these corn cakes are sure to impress. As you savor each bite, you’ll appreciate the rich heritage and culinary traditions that have stood the test of time. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to create a dish that pays homage to American history while delightfully pleasing your palate.

Ingredients

  • package yeast dry
  • large eggs 
  • cups cornmeal white stone-ground
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt 
  • servings vegetable oil for greasing the griddle
  • 1.5 cups water lukewarm

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • paper towels
  • whisk

Directions

  1. The evening before, combine 1 cup of the cornmeal, 1 1/2 cups of the lukewarm water, and the yeast in a medium-size nonreactive bowl.
  2. Whisk well; the mixture will be thin. Cover bowl tightly; let sit out overnight in a warm place.
  3. The next morning, whisk in the remaining 1 cup cornmeal, the salt, and the egg. Re-cover the bowl; let it stand 15 to 20 minutes (allowing the just-added cornmeal to absorb some of the liquid and soften a bit).
  4. Check consistency; it should be close to a thin pancake batter, neither nearly liquid nor as thick as heavy cream. If need be, add a little more lukewarm water to achieve this.
  5. Start heating a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Moisten a paper towel with vegetable oil. Once skillet is hot, rub its interior quickly but thoroughly with the oiled towel.
  6. Serve with honey and butter, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories464kcal
Protein9.45%
Fat37.28%
Carbs53.27%

Properties

Glycemic Index
0
Glycemic Load
0
Inflammation Score
-5
Nutrition Score
15.002173963205%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:463.73kcal
23.19%
Fat:19.33g
29.74%
Saturated Fat:3.22g
20.14%
Carbohydrates:62.14g
20.71%
Net Carbohydrates:53.4g
19.42%
Sugar:1.21g
1.34%
Cholesterol:46.5mg
15.5%
Sodium:316.94mg
13.78%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:11.02g
22.04%
Fiber:8.74g
34.95%
Vitamin B1:0.44mg
29.6%
Manganese:0.52mg
26.16%
Phosphorus:258.5mg
25.85%
Magnesium:102.71mg
25.68%
Vitamin B6:0.51mg
25.55%
Vitamin K:26.11µg
24.87%
Vitamin B5:2.41mg
24.07%
Zinc:2.89mg
19.24%
Iron:3.28mg
18.19%
Folate:72.26µg
18.07%
Vitamin B3:2.94mg
14.69%
Vitamin B2:0.24mg
13.88%
Potassium:386.21mg
11.03%
Vitamin E:1.57mg
10.47%
Copper:0.21mg
10.26%
Selenium:3.98µg
5.68%
Calcium:19.11mg
1.91%
Vitamin B12:0.11µg
1.87%
Vitamin D:0.25µg
1.67%
Vitamin A:67.5IU
1.35%