Cornmeal Coo Coo
Cornmeal Coo coo aka CouCou. Creamy , thick and hearty Polenta -Caribbean style . An intriguing side dish with tons of flavor.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup diced onions
- ½ teaspoon minced thyme
- ¼ cup cut up red bell pepper (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups warm water or more
- 1 cup coconut milk (replace with broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt more (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup sliced okra(frozen
- 2 Tablespoons butter
Instructions
- 1
In a medium-sauce pan or pot add oil, onions, garlic, and thyme sauté, for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent any burns.
- 2
Throw in okra and red bell pepper; continue cooking for about 2 minutes, followed by about 2 cups warm water and coconut milk. Bring to a boil
- 3
At this point you may remove some or half of the vegetables and reserve, if you like your vegetables crunchy.
- 4
Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, until you have add the whole thing in the pot, a little bit at a time and keep stirring with a whisk to prevent any lumps. You may have to remove saucepan from heat while trying to get rid of lumps- to prevent burns.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens.
- 6
Then add the remaining boiled water, reduce heat, cover, and cook- for about 10 or more minutes. Return any vegetables reserved. Add butter, add more water if desired continue whisking to cornmeal consistency. I usually use about a total of 3 1/2 cups water because I like mine, really soft.
- 7
Turn off the heat. Scoop out and place into a wet bowl, to form a ball . Let it set for a few minutes then turn in upside down on to a plate. Serve warm.