Indian Pone Recipe

Indian Pone is a traditional cornbread recipe that has been passed down through generations in Indian households. This delicious and easy-to-make bread is a wonderful accompaniment to any meal. Its history dates back to the time when corn was introduced to the Indian cuisine. Corn became an integral part of Indian cooking and was used in various dishes, including bread.

Fun fact: The term "pone" comes from the Native American word "apan," meaning bread. Pone was a staple food among Native Americans and later adopted by settlers in America. The recipe for Indian Pone has evolved over time, incorporating Indian flavors and techniques.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Indian Pone:

Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoonful of white sugar
- 1-1/2 cups of sweet milk
- 1 teaspoonful of salt
- 1 cup of granulated yellow corn meal
- 2 cups of white flour, sifted
- 3 scant teaspoonfuls of Royal baking powder
- 1 tablespoonful of melted (not hot) butter

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a hot temperature (around 400°F/200°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until well combined.

3. Add the sweet milk and salt to the bowl and continue beating until everything is evenly mixed.

4. Gradually incorporate the yellow corn meal into the mixture, followed by the sifted white flour.

5. Add the Royal baking powder and mix well to ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Finally, pour in the melted butter, making sure it is not too hot so as not to curdle the mixture. Stir until the batter becomes smooth and consistent.

7. Grease a bread pan with butter or cooking spray. Pour the batter into the pan, ensuring it is spread evenly.

8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, transfer the Indian Pone to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. To serve, break the Indian Pone into pieces, rather than cutting it with a knife. This adds to the rustic charm of the dish.

Indian Pone is traditionally served hot as a substitute for regular bread. It pairs well with a variety of Indian curries, soups, and stews. Its slightly sweet taste and crumbly texture make it a delightful addition to any meal.

Fun fact: In addition to being enjoyed as bread, Indian Pone can also be transformed into a delicious dessert. Mary, a character from the recipe's history, used leftover pieces of corn bread to create a mouthwatering pudding. She crumbled the corn bread and filled a cup heaping full, poured 2 cups of sweet milk over it, and allowed it to stand until soft. She then added a beaten egg, sugar, raisins, and a pinch of salt. The mixture was poured into a small agate pudding pan, topped with grated nutmeg, and baked in a moderate oven for about an hour. This delightful pudding can be served with sugar and cream.

Similar recipes in Indian cuisine include Makki Ki Roti, which is a Punjabi cornbread made with maize flour, and Dhokla, a popular Gujarati savory cake made using fermented rice and chickpea flour.

Enjoy the delightful taste of Indian Pone and experience the rich flavors that have been a part of Indian culinary heritage for centuries!