18 Flavorful Blue Corn Recipes for Every Occasion
Are you looking to add a pop of color and flavor to your meals? Look no further than blue corn! This vibrant ingredient has been gaining popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does blue corn have a unique and beautiful hue, but it also packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. High in protein and fiber, low in calories, and rich in antioxidants, blue corn is the perfect addition to any meal.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious recipes that feature blue corn as the star ingredient. From sweet treats like waffles and muffins to savory dishes like tamales and enchiladas, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie looking to try new flavors or just a busy home cook looking for inspiration, these recipes are sure to become fast favorites.
So grab your mixing bowls and preheat your oven – it’s time to get cooking with blue corn!
Blue Corn Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these sweet and fluffy blue corn pancakes, drizzled with pure Canadian maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup blue cornmeal
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together blue cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip pancakes and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with a drizzle of pure Canadian maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blue Cornbread with Honey Butter
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this unique blue cornbread recipe, perfectly paired with a sweet honey butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon blue corn kernels (about 1-2 teaspoons)
– Honey butter ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons pure honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
4. Add the blue corn kernels to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Meanwhile, mix honey and softened butter until well combined.
9. Serve blue cornbread warm with a pat of honey butter on top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blue Corn Tortillas from Scratch
Experience the rich flavor of blue corn tortillas made fresh at home! This recipe yields tender, slightly sweet tortillas perfect for wrapping your favorite fillings or serving with soups and salads.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup blue corn masa harina
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– ¾ cup warm water
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, blue corn masa harina, and salt.
2. Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and pliable.
4. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
6. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly using a rolling pin or your hands.
7. Cook tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds on each side, until slightly puffed and lightly browned.
8. Serve warm, or store cooled tortillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blue Cornmeal Waffles with Berries
Elevate your waffle game with the sweet and savory combination of blue cornmeal and fresh berries. This unique recipe adds a pop of color and flavor to your breakfast or brunch routine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup blue cornmeal
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Fresh berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, milk, and melted butter.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto center of waffle iron.
6. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until waffles are golden brown.
7. Top with fresh berries and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Blue Corn and Cheese Arepas
Elevate your snack game with these crispy, cheesy, and sweet arepas featuring blue corn as the star of the show.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups blue cornmeal
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine blue cornmeal and salt.
3. Gradually add in the grated cheeses while mixing until well combined.
4. Add in the olive oil and mix until the dough comes together.
5. Divide the dough into 6-8 portions, depending on desired thickness.
6. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
7. Place arepas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blue Corn Mushroom Tamales
A twist on traditional tamales, this recipe combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the natural sweetness of blue corn for a unique and delicious dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups blue corn masa harina
– 1 cup cooked blue corn
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (such as oyster, shiitake, and cremini), sliced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Water for steaming
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine blue corn masa harina and cooked blue corn. Gradually add in vegetable oil and mix until a dough forms.
2. Heat the chopped onion and mixed mushrooms in a skillet over medium heat until softened. Add cumin and paprika; season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Wrap 1/4 cup of the mushroom mixture in a corn husk or parchment paper, leaving a small border at the top.
4. Place a tablespoon of the blue corn dough on top of the filling, spreading it evenly to cover.
5. Fold the sides of the husk or paper over the filling and secure with a strip of corn husk or string.
6. Steam tamales for 45-50 minutes.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Blue Corn and Black Bean Enchiladas
A flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of blue corn with the earthy taste of black beans.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups roasted blue corn kernels
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
– Enchilada sauce, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a separate pan, heat blue corn kernels over medium heat, stirring frequently, until slightly toasted.
4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create an assembly line with tortillas, bean mixture, and blue corn. Roll up each tortilla and place seam-side down in the dish. Top with cheese (if using).
5. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Blue Cornmeal Fried Chicken
A twist on classic fried chicken, this recipe adds a burst of blue corn flavor to the breading, creating a unique and delicious dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup blue cornmeal
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, blue cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the blue cornmeal mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the coated chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blue Corn and Poblano Soup
This recipe celebrates the sweet and smoky flavors of blue corn and roasted poblanos, blended with a hint of onion and garlic. Perfect for a cozy evening or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh blue corn kernels
– 2 large poblano peppers, roasted and chopped
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss blue corn kernels with a pinch of salt and roast for 15 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
4. Add roasted poblano peppers, vegetable broth, and roasted blue corn to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let soup cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) to puree soup until smooth.
7. If desired, stir in heavy cream to enrich the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Blue Cornmeal Pizza with Goat Cheese
Elevate your pizza game with this unique combination of blue cornmeal crust, creamy goat cheese, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup blue cornmeal
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, blue cornmeal, and salt.
3. Gradually add olive oil while mixing until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to desired thickness on a floured surface.
5. Top with crumbled goat cheese, parsley, basil, and cherry tomatoes.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blue Corn and Pumpkin Muffins
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of blue corn with the warmth of roasted pumpkin, resulting in a deliciously moist and flavorful muffin perfect for the fall season.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup blue cornmeal
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, pumpkin puree, blue cornmeal, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
7. Allow muffins to cool in tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blue Corn and Cheddar Biscuits
These tender biscuits combine the natural sweetness of blue corn with the richness of cheddar cheese, perfect for a delightful snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup blue cornmeal
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into a crumbly mixture.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese and blue cornmeal until just combined.
5. Gradually add heavy cream, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
7. Roll out to 1-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes (e.g., squares or rounds).
8. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each biscuit.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blue Cornmeal Banana Bread
Moist banana bread infused with a hint of blue cornmeal and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup blue cornmeal
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, blue cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes – 1 hour 10 minutes
Blue Corn and Chorizo Empanadas
Elevate your snack game with these savory empanadas, filled with the sweetness of blue corn and the spicy kick of chorizo.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup blue corn kernels
– 1/2 cup cooked chorizo, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Optional: paprika or chili powder for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, warm water, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Add shortening and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into disks.
5. Place a spoonful of blue corn kernels in the center of each disk, followed by a sprinkle of chorizo.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges together with a fork to seal.
7. Brush tops with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika or chili powder if desired.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blue Corn and Avocado Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of blue corn with the creaminess of avocado, perfect for a light and healthy snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked blue corn kernels
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the blue corn kernels and diced avocado.
2. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top of the mixture.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Blue Cornmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
A sweet twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies, these Blue Cornmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup blue cornmeal
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, blue cornmeal, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Blue Corn and Sweet Potato Casserole
A sweet and savory twist on a classic casserole, this dish combines the natural sweetness of blue corn with the comfort of sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup of blue corn kernels
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, blue corn kernels, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and beaten egg.
4. Pour the cream mixture over the sweet potato mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and smooth out the top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Blue Corn and Lime Scones
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of blue corn and lime in these delightful scones, perfect for a breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 cup blue cornmeal
• Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, cream, egg, lime juice, and blue cornmeal until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
6. Pat into an 8-inch circle and cut into 8 wedges.
7. Place scones on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cooking game with these 18 mouthwatering blue corn recipes! From sweet treats like blue corn pancakes and waffles, to savory dishes like blue corn tortillas and enchiladas, there’s something for every occasion. Try your hand at making blue cornmeal pizza with goat cheese or indulging in blue corn and pumpkin muffins. And don’t forget the sweet-tooth friendly options like blue corn and cheddar biscuits or blue cornmeal banana bread. With such a diverse range of recipes, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your taste buds.
