| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 18g | 5g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 4g | 9g | 0.2g |
About Gluten-Free Proja
Back in the busy kitchens of Eastern Europe, where hearty, rustic foods rule the culinary landscapes, a bread was born that has since won the hearts of gourmets worldwide – the Gluten-Free Proja. A twist on the traditional Serbian Proja, this gluten-free iteration offers the same delightfully crumbly texture, rich flavorful taste, and a high nourishment value with ingredients that cater to the gluten-intolerant foodies among us. Our Gluten-Free Proja recipe is an effervescent blend of cornmeal, a gluten-free flour blend, baking essentials, and a bouquet of delightful add-ins like lactose-free sour cream, scallions, and corn kernels.
The Resplendent Roots
Tracing back its roots to the robust cuisine of Serbia, the traditional Proja or cornbread is a staple in many Eastern European homes. Peasants stacked their pantries with Proja to get through harsh, frigid winters. Today, it emerges as a gastronomical delight for its versatility, being paired with everything from spicy soups to grilled vegetables, and of course, its unique, warm, corn-infused flavor.
Similar in some respects to a delicate cornbread and the Italian polenta bread, Gluten-Free Proja carries a hint of these breads yet stands in a league of its own. It is simpler, more wholesome, heartier, and certainly more textured. What sets Proja apart is the delicate balance of basic kitchen ingredients forming a rustic yet intricate flavor matrix, and of course, the subtle Eastern European touch.
Pairings to Perk Up the Proja
Our gluten-free Proja works incredibly well as a side dish. Imagine a hot bowl of vegetable soup or a spicy Hungarian Goulash, complemented by the grainy, warm slices of Proja. Heaven! Or, if you’re craving a lighter, fresher experience, pair it with a crisp, cold Greek salad and indulge in the contrasting flavors.
In the end, Gluten-Free Proja is more than just a variation on a traditional bread. It is a celebration of the simplicity of ingredients, the love for cooking, and the ability to adapt to everyone’s needs. So dive into the recipe, enjoy this bread’s crumbly texture and corny goodness, and let every bite teleport you to the rustic kitchens of Serbia.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of cornmeal
- 1/2 cup of gluten-free flour blend
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of lactose-free sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of chopped scallions or onion
- 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9-inch round baking dish or pan.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, beat together the lactose-free sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
Step Four
Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Avoid over mixing as it can result in a tough Proja.
Step Five
Stir in the chopped scallions or onion and corn kernels.
Step Six
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step Seven
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the Proja is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step Eight
Allow the Proja to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before cutting it into wedges and serving.
