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Mielie Bread (South African Cornbread)

South African

Mielie Bread (South African Cornbread)

A wholegrain take on the golden SA favourite: sweet corn kernels in a lightly sweetened wholemeal-and-mielie batter.

~50 mintotal~192 kcalper serving~6g protein~27g carbs~7g fat

Estimated. Worked out from the ingredients using the UK food composition tables, so treat it as a guide rather than a measurement. A typical recipe lands within about a quarter of the true figure. Makes about 10.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mielie meal
  • 1½ cups wholemeal flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 3 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
  • ½ tsp salt

Cooking Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a loaf tin.

  2. Mix the mielie meal, wholemeal flour, baking powder and salt.

  3. Whisk the eggs, milk, oil and maple syrup, then fold in the corn.

  4. Combine wet and dry until just mixed and pour into the tin.

  5. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and firm.

  6. Cool before slicing.

Optional Enhancements

  • Add grated courgette for extra veg
  • Dairy-free milk works well
  • Fold in chopped herbs or chilli

Plant & Growing Tips

  • Mielies: Plant in blocks not rows; sow spring or early summer; heavy feeders, so add compost; water deeply during tasseling
  • Wheat: Winter crop in many SA regions; harvest when seed heads dry fully
  • Eggs (backyard chickens): Free-range chickens produce richer yolks; provide clean water, grit, and good feed
  • Milk (homesteaders): Goats or cows produce nutrient-rich fresh milk

Natural Pest Control

  • Interplant maize with beans and pumpkin for pest deterrence
  • Use garlic spray to keep caterpillars off corn leaves
  • Mulch heavily to retain moisture
  • Plant sunflowers nearby to attract pollinators

Harvest

  • Corn: Harvest when silks turn brown and kernels produce milky juice; for dry mielies allow cobs to dry on plant
  • Eggs & Milk: Use freshest ingredients for best baking results

Storing & Freezing

Fridge up to 4 days; freezes up to 2 months.

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