Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of cornmeal
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water and milk to a boil. Add the diced sweet potato and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Using a slotted spoon, remove the sweet potato from the pot and mash it with a fork or potato masher until it is smooth.
3. In the same pot, add the cornmeal and stir until it is well combined with the liquid. Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
4. Add the mashed sweet potato to the pot and stir until it is well combined with the cornmeal mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a skillet, cook the diced bacon until it is crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside.
6. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cou-cou mixture to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until it is heated through.
7. Serve the cou-cou with the crispy bacon on top.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
Low heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 10g
Sodium: 400mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Regular potatoes can be used instead of sweet potatoes.
- Turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of water.
Variations:
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet with the bacon for extra flavor.
- Top the cou-cou with sautéed shrimp or fish for a seafood twist.
- Add grated cheese to the cou-cou mixture for a cheesy version.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the cou-cou mixture constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Use a potato masher to mash the sweet potato for a smoother texture.
- Add more liquid if the cou-cou becomes too thick.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover cou-cou in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the cou-cou in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cou-cou in individual bowls topped with the crispy bacon.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
Serve the cou-cou with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted carrots
- Green beans
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cou-cou becomes too thick, add more liquid to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the sweet potato until it is tender to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Cou-cou is a traditional dish from Barbados that is made with cornmeal and okra.
Flavor profiles:
The cou-cou has a creamy and slightly sweet flavor from the mashed sweet potato, while the bacon adds a salty and smoky flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cou-cou with a side of hot sauce for those who like it spicy.
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Region: Barbadian