Here’s your cornbread and cabbage soup recipe, expanded with more details:
Cornbread Recipe (with Mexican Cornbread variation):
Ingredients:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- This is the base of the cornbread, giving it structure and rise.
- 1 cup cornmeal
- A perfect balance for a soft but not overly crumbly texture.
- ½ cup oil
- Adds moisture to the batter.
- 2 cups (or more) buttermilk
- I prefer my cornbread batter very wet, so I use at least 2 cups. The acidity from the buttermilk adds tenderness.
- ¼ cup oil for the skillet
- This helps crisp up the crust when you pour the batter into the skillet.
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Make sure to get your oven nice and hot for the best rise and crust on your cornbread.
- Pour ¼ cup of oil into your skillet and place it in the oven to heat up while you’re mixing the batter. This step is crucial for a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and cornmeal.
- Add the ½ cup of oil to the dry mixture.
- Gradually stir in the buttermilk until your batter is wet and pourable. I like to use at least 2 cups buttermilk, but you can adjust depending on your preference. The batter should be quite wet for a moist cornbread.
- Once the oven is preheated and your skillet is hot, carefully pour the batter into the hot skillet. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle — this ensures that perfect crust.
- Bake at 450°F for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Mexican Cornbread Variation:
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 can (about 14.75 oz) creamed corn
- Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the cornbread.
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Adds flavor and a bit of texture.
- Pepperoncini peppers, chopped to taste
- For a mild kick of heat and tang.
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- Adds freshness and crunch.
- 1 small bag of sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
- For a delicious, melty texture throughout the cornbread.
- A little pepper juice (from the pepperoncini jar)
- For extra tang and moisture.
Directions (Mexican Cornbread):
- Follow the directions above for preparing the basic cornbread batter.
- After mixing the flour, cornmeal, oil, and buttermilk, add in the 2 eggs and whisk to combine.
- Stir in the creamed corn, chopped onion, pepperoncini peppers, green pepper, cheddar cheese, and a splash of the pepper juice.
- Pour this enhanced batter into the preheated, oiled skillet.
- Bake at 450°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. The addition of cheese and vegetables may make it take a few extra minutes to fully cook through.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings or alongside a hearty meal!
Cabbage Soup Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- This is the star of the soup, adding a slightly sweet, hearty base.
- 2 lbs ground sirloin
- Use this lean beef for richness without too much fat.
- 3 large cans of whole tomatoes (or diced if you prefer)
- The tomatoes give the soup its characteristic tangy broth.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- For a little warmth and spice.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 3 large onions, chopped
- A key ingredient for a deep, savory flavor.
- 4 dashes of Texas Pete hot sauce
- Adjust to taste for heat.
- 1 large can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Adds protein and texture.
- 3 cups of cooked pinto beans
- These beans are soft and flavorful, making the soup more filling.
- Water, as needed to make it soupy
Directions:
- Brown the ground sirloin in a large skillet over medium heat. As it browns, add the chili powder to season the meat.
- Once browned, transfer the meat to a large pot.
- Add the chopped onions, green pepper, and cabbage to the pot.
- Pour in the whole tomatoes, crushing them slightly with your hands or a spoon.
- Add the kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot.
- Add enough water to make the soup broth-like. You want it to be « soupy, » so don’t skimp on the water!
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add Texas Pete hot sauce during the simmering process for a bit of heat, adjusting to taste.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more chili powder, salt, or hot sauce as needed.
- Serve hot, and enjoy a big, hearty bowl! Perfect with some of that cornbread on the side.
Note: These recipes are crowd-pleasers, as proven by the long line for a slice of your cornbread! Just remember, there’s no « right » way to do these recipes—it’s all about what tastes best to you. Enjoy! 💗