This recipe offers two classic comfort foods: a moist and flavorful Mexican Cornbread, and a hearty, satisfying Cabbage Soup. Both recipes are easy to make and perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. The Mexican Cornbread brings a little spice and richness to the table, while the Cabbage Soup offers warmth and nourishment with simple ingredients. Let’s dive into these two crowd-pleasers.
đź›’ Mexican Cornbread Recipe
This Mexican Cornbread is a twist on the classic cornbread recipe, adding eggs, cheese, peppers, and creamed corn for extra flavor and moisture. It’s the perfect side dish for a hearty meal or can even be served on its own.
Ingredients for the Base Cornbread:
- 2 cups self-rising flour: This gives the cornbread its structure and rise.
- 1 cup cornmeal: Adds that signature texture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup oil: Keeps the cornbread moist. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
- Lots of buttermilk: Around 2 cups or more. This makes the batter very wet, resulting in a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup oil (for the skillet): Adds a crispy, golden crust to the cornbread.
Additional Ingredients for the Mexican Cornbread:
- 2 eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 can creamed corn: This adds sweetness, moisture, and a rich corn flavor to the cornbread.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds savory depth to the cornbread.
- Pepperoncino peppers: Adds a touch of heat. You can adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- 1 small green pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 small bag of sharp cheddar cheese: Cheese makes everything better! This adds creaminess and a sharp, tangy flavor to the cornbread.
- A little pepper juice: Adds an extra zing and moisture to the batter.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Make sure the oven is hot and ready to go.
- Prepare the Skillet:
- Pour 1/4 cup of oil into a cast-iron skillet and place it in the preheated oven. The hot oil will create a crispy crust on the bottom of the cornbread.
- Mix the Cornbread Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of self-rising flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, and 1/2 cup of oil.
- Slowly add in the buttermilk, starting with 2 cups. Stir until the batter is well-mixed and very wet. If needed, add more buttermilk to achieve the desired consistency.
- For the Mexican variation, stir in 2 beaten eggs, 1 can of creamed corn, the chopped onion, pepperoncino peppers, green pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese. Add a little pepper juice for extra flavor.
- Bake the Cornbread:
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Pour the cornbread batter into the skillet and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before cutting into it. Serve warm as a side dish, or enjoy it on its own with butter or honey.
🍲 Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe
This Cabbage Soup is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a wholesome and filling meal. With ground sirloin, beans, and plenty of vegetables, this soup is hearty enough to stand on its own as a main course.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage: Cabbage is the star of this soup, adding bulk and texture.
- 2 pounds ground sirloin: This lean cut of beef adds richness and protein to the soup.
- 3 large cans of whole tomatoes: Adds acidity and sweetness, helping to balance the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Adds warmth and a bit of spice to the soup.
- 1 green pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- 3 large onions, chopped: Onions add depth and sweetness to the soup.
- 4 dashes of Texas Pete hot sauce: Adds a touch of heat and tang. You can adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- 1 large can of kidney beans: Provides a hearty texture and a good source of protein.
- 3 cups of cooked pinto beans: Adds more heartiness and a slightly nutty flavor.
- Water: Enough to make the soup soupy. The amount can be adjusted depending on how thick or thin you like your soup.
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the 2 pounds of ground sirloin over medium heat. While the meat is browning, add 1 tablespoon of chili powder to season the meat.
- Once the meat is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Vegetables and Beans:
- Add the chopped onions, green pepper, and small head of cabbage (chopped) to the pot. Stir to combine with the browned meat.
- Add the large can of kidney beans and 3 cups of cooked pinto beans to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Add Tomatoes and Water:
- Add the 3 large cans of whole tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Crush the tomatoes with your hands or a spoon as you add them to break them up slightly.
- Add enough water to cover the ingredients and create a soupy consistency. Stir to combine.
- Season the Soup:
- Add 4 dashes of Texas Pete hot sauce to the pot. Adjust to taste based on your spice preference.
- Season the soup with additional salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste. You can also add other spices like cumin or oregano if you like.
- Cook the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about an hour or more. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the soup is done cooking, serve it hot with a slice of Mexican Cornbread or a side of crackers. This soup is hearty, filling, and perfect for cold days or when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
Final Thoughts
These two recipes—Mexican Cornbread and Cabbage Soup—are perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings. The Mexican Cornbread adds a delicious, cheesy twist to traditional cornbread, while the Cabbage Soup offers a hearty, flavorful meal packed with vegetables and beans. Both recipes are versatile and easy to customize to your taste, making them go-to dishes for when you need something satisfying and comforting. Enjoy cooking, and may these dishes bring warmth and joy to your table!