The idea of this recipe round-up was to collate fairly simple recipes that a person could easily make from corn and corn products that have been stockpiled, or from fresh corn grown in a survival garden.
The recipes have been collected from around the world because many cultures have had to survive in difficult economic and agricultural conditions.
They manage to make a little go a long way using the most basic of ingredients, yet still feed their families nutritious food.
Corn is high in carbohydrates (76%), with some protein (13%) and fat (11%). It contains no cholesterol and is high in fiber – one serving supplies 44% of daily dietary fiber, and is rich in potassium (26% of RDA) and Vitamin C (34% of RDA).
It is the combination of spices and herbs that can transform corn from a Mexican to a Chinese, African, Chilean, or Brazilian dish. Who said a basic survival food like corn had to be boring?
1. Parched Corn
Corn must be dry to start making this, then it’s as easy as frying it in a skillet until the kernels plump up, adding some flavoring and you have a lightweight trail food.
It was popular with Native Americans and was soon adopted by pioneers who realized how useful it was. Here is the recipe.
2. South African Sweetcorn Bread
Using fresh corn kernels as well as corn meal, this bread developed when people were traveling in wagons exploring the interior, and is still a favorite accompaniment at barbeques today.
It is steamed rather than baked making for a tender, moist loaf. Here is the recipe.
3. Never Fail Corn Bread
When the recipe is printed on a cornmeal bag you know it’s been seriously tried and tested. This is an easy one to prepare to go with meat dishes and will mop up the gravy!
The batter can also be divided into little muffin tins and when baked split and a slice of bacon inserted or spread with butter and syrup. Here is the recipe.
4. Cattail Corn Bread
Collect cattail pollen from these reedy plants that are found growing near or in water. The pollen is bright yellow and is high in protein. Here is the recipe.
5. Hot Water Corn Bread
An easy recipe for survivalists, this one can be enhanced with the addition of other ingredients, like bacon, scallions, chili peppers – whatever you have available that would add some flavor.
Deep fried, these have a crisp crust outside but are soft in the middle – yummy! Here is the recipe.
6. Corn Fritters
Adapted from an Amish recipe these can be quickly made without sugar and served with stew or soup, or add a little sugar in the batter and finish with a sprinkle of confectioner’s sugar when serving with maple syrup or a fruit jam for a sweet treat. Here is the recipe.
7. Corn Dodgers
This recipe relooks at some of the older pioneer recipes and comes up with a variation that is less dense and gritty….