Discover how to make the perfect pone, a classic cornbread that's a delightful side dish for stews and soups. This easy recipe yields a golden, moist pone with a slightly sweet flavor and a touch of crispiness. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, this pone pairs wonderfully with a variety of hearty dishes. Learn the step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving a perfect texture every time.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup cornmeal

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup milk

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 1 large egg

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or a similarly sized skillet.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, and egg until well combined.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan or skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Allow the pone to cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm with your favorite stew or soup.

Enjoy your homemade pone!

Nutritional Values:

Cornmeal:

   - Calories: 440

   - Carbohydrates: 94g

   - Fiber: 7g

   - Protein: 9g

   - Fat: 2g

Benefits:

   - Rich in fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps prevent constipation.

   - Contains antioxidants such as carotenoids that support eye health and reduce inflammation.

   - Provides B vitamins, including B6, folate, and niacin, essential for energy production and overall health.

All-Purpose Flour:

   - Calories: 455

   - Carbohydrates: 95g

   - Fiber: 3g

   - Protein: 13g

   - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

   - High in protein, contributing to muscle repair and growth.

   - Often enriched with essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, supporting various bodily functions.

Sugar:

   - Calories: 200

   - Carbohydrates: 50g

   - Fiber: 0g

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

   - Provides a quick source of energy, though it should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake and potential health issues.

Baking Powder:

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

   - Fiber: 0g

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

   - Acts as a leavening agent, helping the batter rise and giving the cornbread its light and fluffy texture.

Salt:

   - Sodium: ~1150mg

Benefits:

   - Enhances the flavor of the cornbread, though it should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.

Milk:

   - Calories: 150

   - Carbohydrates: 12g

   - Protein: 8g

   - Fat: 8g

   - Calcium: 300mg

Benefits:

   - Rich in calcium, which supports bone health and helps maintain strong teeth.

   - Provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Vegetable Oil:

   - Calories: 240

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 27g

Benefits:

   - Contains healthy fats that support heart health.

   - Helps keep the cornbread moist and tender.

Egg:

   - Calories: 70

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Protein: 6g

   - Fat: 5g

Benefits:

   - High in protein, providing all essential amino acids needed for muscle maintenance and overall health.

   - Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, B vitamins, and minerals like iron and selenium.