Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of cornmeal
- 4 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 head of garlic
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
3. Place the garlic head on a sheet of aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Wrap the garlic in the foil and place it on a baking sheet.
5. Roast the garlic in the oven for 30 minutes.
6. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
7. Add the salt and gradually stir in the cornmeal.
8. Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
9. Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool.
10. Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted cloves into the cornmeal mixture.
11. Stir in the remaining olive oil and chopped parsley.
12. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
13. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
14. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with olive oil.
15. Pour the cornmeal mixture into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
16. Let the combro cool for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
- 6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cornmeal can be substituted with polenta or grits.
- Parsley can be substituted with cilantro or basil.
Variations:
- Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mix in grated cheese for added flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the cornmeal mixture to prevent lumps.
- Let the combro cool before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for added flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover combro in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the combro in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the combro on a platter with a garnish of fresh parsley or cilantro.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
Pairings:
- Serve with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Black beans and rice
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cornmeal mixture is too thick, add more water until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the combro falls apart when slicing, let it cool for a longer period of time before slicing.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before and after handling raw ingredients.
Food history:
- Combro is a traditional dish from Cape Verde, a group of islands off the coast of West Africa.
Flavor profiles:
- The combro has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the roasted garlic and parsley.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the combro as a side dish or as a main course with a salad or vegetables.
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