Mealie bread facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Sweetcorn bread |
|---|---|
| Type | Bread |
| Place of origin | South Africa |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Sweet corn (white maize) |
Mealie bread, also known as sweetcorn bread, is a delicious type of bread from South Africa. It is a sweetened bread made with creamed corn. People traditionally enjoy it warm, fresh from the oven, often with butter. The bread gets its name from "mealies," which is how maize (or corn) is called in some parts of Africa.
This special bread is often steamed inside metal cans with lids. In Eswatini, a country near South Africa, Mealie bread is a common street food. This means you can often buy it from vendors on the street!
Contents
What is Mealie Bread?
Mealie bread is a traditional food in Eswatini, a country located between Mozambique and South Africa. It's a popular dish that many families enjoy.
Making Mealie bread doesn't take too long. It usually takes about 20 to 35 minutes to get everything ready. Then, it bakes in the oven for another 30 to 45 minutes until it's golden and delicious.
Healthy Goodness in Mealie Bread
Mealie bread isn't just tasty; it also has some good things for your body!
- Maize, the main ingredient, is full of important vitamins and tiny elements your body needs. It contains many different chemical elements that help you stay healthy.
- Sweet corn helps keep your blood sugar levels steady. Even when it's preserved, it keeps most of its good nutrients.
- The complex carbohydrates in corn are digested slowly. This means they give you energy that lasts for a long time, helping you stay active throughout the day.
Making Mealie Bread: Ingredients and Steps
In South Africa and especially in Eswatini, the way Mealie bread is made has stayed pretty much the same since the 1840s. It's a recipe that has been passed down through generations!
| Ingredients |
|---|
| 1 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed |
| 2 eggs |
| 2 Tbsp butter, melted |
| 1 cup flour |
| 2 tsp baking powder |
| 2 Tbsp sugar |
| 1/2 tsp salt |
Step-by-Step Recipe
- First, preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Then, lightly grease a loaf pan so the bread won't stick.
- Next, put 1 cup of the corn, the eggs, and the melted butter into a blender. Blend them until you have a coarse mixture. It should still have some texture.
- Add the remaining 1/2 cup of corn to the mixture. Pulse the blender one or two more times. This will mix in the last bit of corn without making it too smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Make sure they are well mixed.
- Finally, use a large spoon to combine the dry ingredients with the corn mixture. Mix until you have a thick batter.
- Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and bake it for 30 to 45 minutes. Enjoy your warm Mealie bread!
