Easy Fried Cornmeal Cubes (Madeira Side Dish)
Today, we’re diving into a scrumptious treat with these fried cornmeal cubes (Milho Frito), a beloved Madeira side dish that’s sure to become a favourite at your dinner table. These delightful corn cubes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and a great alternative to potatoes. They can be fried the traditional way or air fried. Perfect for adding a bit of flair to your evening meal, these tasty morsels are a fantastic way to bring a touch of Madeira’s culinary charm into your home.
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I first discovered these delightful cornmeal cubes while on holiday in Madeira, and I was instantly struck by how they make such a fantastic alternative to potatoes, with an incredible taste to match! I knew I had to recreate them as soon as I returned to the UK. They can be fried in the traditional way or air fried.
Ingredients
6 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
1 1/2 cups cornmeal/polenta (fine or course texture (heaped cups))
vegetable oil for frying
This is the corn meal I used Add water, oil and minced garlic in a pot Whisk until thickened. Pour the mixture on a greased baking tray and spread evenly Cut the cooled cornmeal into cubes Fry the corn cubes for 2 minutes on each side
How To Make Madeira Cornmeal Cubes
In a large pot, add water, oil, garlic and salt. Bring the water to a boil.
When the water is boiling, slowly whisk in the cornmeal with a handheld whisk. Once the cornmeal is added, reduce the temperature to a simmer. Switch to a wooden spoon and keep stirring for about 10 – 15 minutes until the cornmeal thickens and starts to pull away from the sides.
Pour the cooked cornmeal into a greased baking tray. Spread the cornmeal evenly and smooth out the surface. Allow the cornmeal to cool down to room temperature and firm up. This should take about 1 hour.
Cut the cornmeal into cubes, or whatever shape you desire.
Traditional Frying Method
To a frying pan, add about a 1/2 inch of oil and heat it to medium high. Fry the cornmeal cubes in batches for about 3-5 minutes a side or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Remove the cubes to a paper towel lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with a little salt and serve immediately.
Air Fryer Corn Cubes
Spray the cubes in oil and add to the air fryer. Set the temperature at 200c/400f and cook for 15 minutes turning half way. Sprinkle with a little salt and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Fried Cornmeal Cubes are versatile and can complement a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions that pair wonderfully with these tasty cubes:
Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops. The crispy texture of the cornmeal cubes contrasts beautifully with the juicy, smoky flavours of the meat.
Seafood: Pair with grilled or fried fish, shrimp, or calamari. The lightness of seafood balances the rich, crispy cubes perfectly.
Salads: Add a fresh, vibrant salad with ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and mixed greens. A tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury cornmeal cubes.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a medley of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, courgettes/zucchini, and carrots. The natural sweetness of the roasted veggies complements the savory cornmeal cubes.
Dips and Sauces: Offer a variety of dips like garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or a tangy tomato relish. These can add an extra layer of flavour and make the cubes even more irresistible.
Beans and Legumes: A hearty bean stew or a simple dish of seasoned black beans can provide a protein-rich accompaniment that pairs well with the cornmeal cubes.
Cheese Platter: Serve with a selection of cheeses and charcuterie. The creamy and salty flavors of the cheese can enhance the taste of the crispy cornmeal cubes.
Soups and Stews: Use the cornmeal cubes as a crunchy topping for soups or stews, adding texture and flavour to each spoonful.
These serving suggestions will help you create a well-rounded and delicious meal that highlights the versatility of Fried Cornmeal Cubes. Enjoy!
Fried Cornmeal Cubes (Madeira Side Dish)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups cornmeal (fine texture (heaped cups))
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large pot, add water, oil, garlic and salt. Bring the water to a boil.
- When the water is boiling, slowly whisk in the cornmeal with a handheld whisk. Once the cornmeal is added, reduce the temperature to a simmer. Switch to a wooden spoon and keep stirring for about 10 – 15 minutes until the cornmeal thickens and starts to pull away from the sides.
- Pour the cooked cornmeal into a greased baking tray. Spread the cornmeal evenly and smooth out the surface. Allow the cornmeal to cool down to room temperature and firm up. This should take about 1 hour.
- Cut the cornmeal into cubes, or whatever shape you desire.
- To a frying pan, add about a 1/2 inch of oil and heat it to medium high. Fry the cornmeal cubes in batches for about 3-5 minutes a side or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove the cubes to a paper towel lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with a little salt and serve immediately.
Air Fryer Corn Cubes
- Spray the cubes in oil and add to the air fryer. Set the temperature at 200c/400f and cook for 15 minutes turning half way.
- Sprinkle with a little salt and serve immediately.