Here’s a simple and classic way to make 3-ingredient fried cornmeal mush:
Ingredients
- Cornmeal – 1 cup (yellow or white)
- Water – 4 cups (for a creamy mush)
- Salt – 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
Optional for frying: oil or butter
Instructions
1. Make the cornmeal mush
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil with 1 tsp salt.
- Slowly whisk in 1 cup cornmeal to prevent lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.
- Pour the mush into a greased shallow dish and smooth the top.
- Let it cool and firm up in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours (or until sliceable).
2. Fry the cornmeal mush
- Cut the firm mush into squares or rectangles.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of oil or butter.
- Fry the pieces until golden brown on each side, about 3–5 minutes per side.
- Serve hot.
This is a true Southern-style fried mush—crispy outside, soft inside. You could add syrup, honey, or a sprinkle of sugar if you like a sweet touch.
If you want, I can also give you a crispy, ultra-savory version using just these 3 ingredients but with a trick to make the crust extra golden. Do you want me to?
