Corn grits - an energy product that is sold in all grocery Russian stores. Unfortunately, it is not very popular. This attitude is completely undeserved, due to the mass of useful properties, corn grits deserve more attention.

Corn grits - what is it

Corn grits are prepared from dried corn kernels.

This cereal, which is considered the oldest bread plant in the world, was introduced to the European continent from America in the 15th century.

In Spain, where he went before other European countries, he received the name maize. Corn came to Russia through Turkey and Moldova around the 18th century.

How to produce corn grits

Corn is common on all continents. In Russia, cereals are made from it, which is divided by numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The first three numbers are coarse grinding, 4 and 5 are coarse grinding. Depending on the size and color, methods for processing it after cleaning the shells and separating the embryos are known. The shelf life from the moment of production of cereals is from 6 to 10 months, depending on the region.

Chemical composition, calorie content and nutritional value

The calorie content of dry corn grits is 330–340 kcal per 100 g. In porridge, which after cooking increases by about 3 times, about 100 kcal.

The composition of cereals includes such substances:

  • carbohydrates - 55%;
  • proteins - 10%;
  • fats - 2%;
  • dietary fiber - 24%.

Corn grits are unusually rich in healthy elements.

It includes vitamins and mineral salts:

  • cobalt;
  • calcium
  • gland;
  • manganese;
  • copper;
  • magnesium
  • molybdenum;
  • chromium;
  • zinc;
  • B vitamins;
  • retinol;
  • Vitamins E, PP, H, K.

Corn proteins are unique; they include a number of essential amino acids, but do not contain lysine and tryptophan.

The benefits and harms of corn grits for humans

The proteins that cause allergies are much less in corn than in wheat and rye. Corn contains many trace elements. It serves as a source of rare silicon, which is necessary to maintain the health of tooth enamel.

Corn contains vitamins A and E, which are antioxidants that are beneficial for vision and healthy skin. As well as B vitamins, which help the normal functioning of the nervous system. Corn porridge cleanses the body well, removing harmful substances from it - toxins and radionuclides. This helps prevent cancer.

The benefits of corn grits have been tested empirically in America. Elderly people over 65 were given regular corn porridge. Due to this, they reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Corn contains substances that strengthen the sheath of nerve fibers, this helps to maintain good memory, attention, and learning ability.

Corn porridge can reduce bad cholesterol with regular use and normalize blood pressure, which is why it is important for heart and vascular diseases.

Corn grits as a part of dishes perfectly cleanses the intestines. Its use favorably affects digestion, and blocks the absorption of fats from other foods. This helps to lose weight, wanting to lose weight effectively.

It is interesting:cornmeal recipes

Useful properties for the children's body

The rich vitamin and mineral composition makes corn grits a valuable product in baby food. In addition, the cereal has a lot of natural fiber that gently cleanses the intestines.

Eating corn porridge will strengthen the baby's immunity, make him calm and smart.

Porridge can be given from 9 months of age.

Due to the presence of iron in corn, porridge from this cereal will be a good way to prevent anemia. Silicon in its composition is useful for growing bones and teeth of a child.

Due to the lack of gluten, corn grits are a valuable dietary product in baby food. It is recommended to cook for babies who are allergic to this protein. Gluten is found in many cereals, especially a lot of it in wheat.

Corn grits recipes

From corn you can cook many interesting dishes. Some of them are national, and are characteristic of the cuisine of certain peoples.

Cornmeal milk porridge

For cooking, it is advisable to use a non-stick pan, corn porridge thickens quickly, and easily sticks to the walls of the dishes.

Products:

  • corn grits 1 tbsp .;
  • 4–5 Art. milk;
  • salt, sugar to taste.

Cooking:

  1. In half the volume of boiled milk, corn groats are poured in a thin stream.
  2. Constantly stir.
  3. Reduce heat.
  4. Salt and sugar are added.
  5. Pour in the remaining milk, heated to a boil.
  6. Cover the pan with a lid.
  7. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally for 30 or 40 minutes.

Ready porridge is seasoned to taste with butter, and insisted for another quarter hour.

How to make pancakes

Corn grits dough is made from cooled porridge.

For cooking, you need such products:

  • corn grits 0.5 tbsp .;
  • 2 tbsp. milk or water;
  • wheat flour 60 g;
  • granulated sugar 25 g;
  • egg.

Cooking:

  1. The cereal is cooked until tender, slightly salted with water or milk.
  2. Cool to room temperature.
  3. Add sugar, egg.
  4. Hands form cakes.
  5. Roll them in flour.
  6. Fried on both sides in vegetable oil.

If desired, light raisins can be added to the corn pancakes.

Corn grits

To make a pie from corn grits, grind grits with a coffee grinder.

Products:

  • egg;
  • 75 g of corn and wheat flour;
  • 60 g of granulated sugar;
  • butter 90 g.

Cooking:

  1. Grind the butter with sugar and egg.
  2. Pour corn and wheat flour, you can add a little vanillin.
  3. Mix the dough, spread it on a sheet, and level it in the form of a layer.
  4. Bake at 180 degrees for 10 or 15 minutes.

Ready cake is greased with any butter cream, sprinkled with chocolate and toasted nuts.

Healthy cookies

Cookies made from corn grits are prepared in the same way as pancakes. First, cook corn porridge, cool, knead the dough, and bake cookies.

Products:

  • ready-made corn porridge 1.5 tbsp .;
  • egg 1 pc.;
  • 4 tbsp. l Sahara;
  • vanillin.

Cooking:

  1. Sugar, egg and vanillin are added to the cooled corn porridge.
  2. Beat with a blender.
  3. Small cookies are placed on a greased baking sheet with a spoon.
  4. Bake at a temperature of 160 degrees 10 minutes.

The finished liver is allowed to cool, and removed from the pan.

Small corn grits

Mamalyga is popular in Moldova and Romania. In the classic version, it is prepared in the form of "corn buns" - a dense porridge that can be cut with a knife.

Products:

  • 200 g of finely ground corn grits;
  • water or broth 600 ml;
  • garlic 1 clove;
  • 2 chili peppers.

Cooking:

  1. After pouring hot water or broth, the cereals are cooked for 30–40 minutes over low heat.
  2. At the end of cooking, add a clove of garlic and pepper.
  3. Spread mamalyga on the board, cool.

Cut the mamalyga into portions with a wooden knife or thread.

How to make porridge for children

Corn porridge for children can be prepared with the addition of vegetables or fruits. Try making healthy porridge with carrots.

Products:

  • carrots 80 g;
  • grind grits in a coffee grinder, 50 g;
  • pure water 150-200 ml;
  • butter 10 g.

Cooking:

  1. Put the peeled and sliced ​​carrots in boiling water, and cook until the root crop is soft.
  2. Add the corn grits to the carrots, cook while stirring until cooked.
  3. Put the butter in the prepared porridge, mash it, mix and cool.

Such porridge can be given to a baby from 9 months.

Hector Jimenez Bravo Prescription Polenta

This is a traditional Italian meal made from corn grits. In Italy, it is cooked on an open fire, this is the main food of poor families, but in restaurants in Russia it is quite expensive. You can cook polenta yourself, knowing the recipe.

Products:

  • water and broth of 0.5 l;
  • olive oil 2 tbsp. l .;
  • corn grits 1.5 tbsp .;
  • apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp. l .;
  • tomatoes, diced 2 tbsp .;
  • parsley 2 tsp;
  • butter 3.5 tbsp. l .;
  • cream 1/3 st .;
  • grain of young corn 1 tbsp .;
  • Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp. l .;
  • spices and salt.

Cooking:

  1. Grains are poured into boiling water with broth.
  2. Cook for about 30 minutes in a saucepan with the lid closed on low heat.
  3. For the sauce, the tomatoes are fried in olive oil.
  4. Add 2 tbsp to tomatoes. l butter, paprika, oregano and garlic.
  5. When the tomatoes become soft, they are slightly crushed with a spoon, vinegar and chopped parsley are added.
  6. Grains of young corn, cut from 4 heads, are slightly salted and fried in a pan.
  7. Boiled corn grits are mixed with corn grains, cream, 1.5 tbsp. l butter, Parmesan cheese and basil.

Polenta is served, drizzled on top with fried tomato sauce, either cooled or warm.

Who is contraindicated for corn grits

For some health problems, doctors do not recommend eating corn porridge. It is undesirable to eat with dystrophy. Corn grits, the benefits and harms of which have long been studied by nutritionists, contribute to burning fat, and will not allow you to gain weight.

With diarrhea and other problems with the gastrointestinal tract, corn porridge is better not to eat, they have a mild laxative effect, contain a lot of fiber.With thrombophlebitis and blood coagulation disorders, there are also contraindications to the use of cereals.

For most people, corn grits will only benefit, help lose weight, prevent many diseases and strengthen immunity.

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