Authentic Portuguese Pão de Milho: Cornbread the Traditional Way

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of cornmeal
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 4 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
  7. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack) to the batter for a cheesy variation.
  • Include 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon for a savory twist.
  • Substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped jalapeno peppers for a spicy kick.
  • Mix in 1/2 cup of canned corn kernels for added texture and flavor.
  • Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Add 1/2 cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for a different taste and texture.

Recipe overview

Pão de Milho is a traditional Portuguese cornbread that is delightfully simple to make and wonderfully satisfying to eat. This sweet, cake-like bread has a rich, hearty texture from the cornmeal and is perfect to enjoy at any time of day - from a breakfast treat to a dinner side. The recipe requires common pantry items like cornmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder, and is a great introduction to Portuguese baking. It takes around an hour to prepare and bake, and serves 8 to 10 people. You'll love the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen as the Pão de Milho bakes, and the golden-brown crust is a beautiful sight. Prepare to fall in love with this Portuguese staple!

Common questions

  1. Can I use corn flour instead of cornmeal? Yes, you can use corn flour as a substitute for cornmeal. However, the texture and taste may be slightly different.
  2. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but it may alter the texture and taste of the bread.
  3. Can I reduce the amount of sugar? Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread. However, keep in mind that sugar also contributes to the texture and moisture of the bread.
  4. Can I add other ingredients, like cheese or herbs? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like grated cheese, herbs, or even diced vegetables to enhance the flavor of the bread.
  5. Can I use a different pan size? Yes, you can use a different pan size, but the baking time may vary. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the bread to ensure it is properly cooked.
  6. Can I freeze the bread? Yes, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dry and wet ingredients together.
  • Whisk - To beat the eggs and combine the wet ingredients.
  • Cake Pan - A 9-inch round cake pan to bake the bread.
  • Grease/Oil - To grease the cake pan and prevent sticking.
  • Toothpick - To check if the bread is fully baked by inserting it into the center.
  • Wire Rack - To cool the bread after it is baked.

Origin stories

Pão de Milho, or Corn Bread, is a staple in many cuisines around the world, but the Portuguese version is unique. Portuguese immigrants introduced this bread to the colonies, using cornmeal as it was readily available in the new world. Its simplicity, versatility, and sweet flavor made it a popular choice. Over time, it became a representation of home and comfort in Portuguese cuisine. Now, Pão de Milho is enjoyed all over the world. The bread has a sweet and slightly grainy texture, with the perfect balance between moist and crumbly. It's often served alongside a cup of strong coffee, forming a simple yet satisfying breakfast or snack.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.