Vanilla Rhubarb Yogurt Blue Cornbread is a modern twist on the traditional Southern cornbread, combining the earthy flavor of blue cornmeal with the tanginess of yogurt and the sweetness of rhubarb. This gluten-free and vegan recipe offers a moist and flavorful bread, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup blue cornmeal
½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
½ cup amaranth flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chopped rhubarb
1 cup unsweetened plain coconut yogurt
⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon stevia syrup
1 whole vanilla bean, sliced and scraped

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blue cornmeal, gluten-free all-purpose flour, amaranth flour, and baking powder. Add the chopped rhubarb, coconut yogurt, almond milk, vanilla extract, stevia syrup, and the seeds from the vanilla bean. Mix until a batter forms.
Bake: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool before slicing into 9 squares.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1 square):

Calories: Approximately 180
Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrate: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 7g
Protein: 4g
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 2mg

Why Choose Rhubarb for Cornbread?

Rhubarb is a versatile vegetable often used in desserts due to its natural tartness. While most people associate rhubarb with pie or jam, its sour flavor is a fantastic complement to the sweetness of baked goods. In this Vanilla Rhubarb Yogurt Blue Cornbread, rhubarb’s sharpness contrasts beautifully with the sweet and earthy tones of the blue cornmeal, while the tangy yogurt adds an extra layer of creaminess. The combination of these flavors creates a balanced cornbread that can be enjoyed in many different settings, from a breakfast treat to a delightful side dish.

Rhubarb’s health benefits also make it a wonderful addition to this recipe. It is high in fiber, low in calories, and packed with antioxidants. Rhubarb is also known for its potential digestive health benefits, as it contains compounds that can help with digestion and gut health. By incorporating rhubarb into this cornbread recipe, you’re not only enhancing the flavor but also boosting the nutritional profile of the dish.

The Role of Yogurt in the Recipe

Yogurt plays a crucial role in the Vanilla Rhubarb Yogurt Blue Cornbread. Often used in baking to replace fat or butter, yogurt helps create a tender texture while adding a mild tanginess that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients. The inclusion of coconut yogurt in this recipe ensures that it remains dairy-free, catering to those with dietary restrictions while still providing the same creamy texture and flavor that regular yogurt would.

The probiotics found in yogurt offer digestive benefits, and the addition of yogurt in cornbread helps keep the bread moist and soft without relying on butter or oil. In this recipe, the yogurt blends perfectly with the almond milk, helping to create a batter that is not too dense, but still rich in flavor. The result is a light, airy cornbread with just the right amount of moisture, which is crucial for ensuring that the cornbread doesn’t dry out during baking.

The Gluten-Free Aspect of the Recipe

In addition to being dairy-free, this Vanilla Rhubarb Yogurt Blue Cornbread is also gluten-free. Many traditional cornbread recipes include wheat flour, but this recipe substitutes it with gluten-free flour alternatives such as amaranth flour, which is a nutrient-dense flour known for its high protein and fiber content. The combination of amaranth flour with blue cornmeal creates a hearty, satisfying texture that holds up well during baking.

For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, finding tasty and satisfying gluten-free baked goods can be a challenge. However, this recipe provides an excellent alternative to traditional cornbread without sacrificing flavor or texture. The use of a variety of gluten-free flours also contributes to a more complex flavor profile, adding depth and richness to the bread that makes it stand out from typical cornbreads.

The Sweetness of Stevia in the Recipe

Another key component of this Vanilla Rhubarb Yogurt Blue Cornbread is stevia syrup. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant, and it has gained popularity as a healthier alternative to sugar. Unlike refined sugar, stevia contains no calories and does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their sugar intake or manage conditions like diabetes.

In this cornbread recipe, the stevia syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the rhubarb and the slight bitterness of the blue cornmeal. The sweetness from the stevia allows the natural flavors of the other ingredients to shine without overpowering them. Since stevia is much sweeter than sugar, only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness.

The Benefits of Blue Cornmeal

Blue cornmeal, the star ingredient in this recipe, is made from blue corn, a variety of corn native to the Americas. While blue cornmeal is less common than traditional yellow or white cornmeal, it is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique flavor and nutritional benefits. Blue cornmeal has a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor compared to yellow cornmeal, making it an ideal addition to baked goods like cornbread.

Blue cornmeal is also a source of anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that give the corn its distinctive blue color. These antioxidants have been shown to reduce inflammation and may offer protection against certain chronic diseases. Additionally, blue cornmeal has a higher protein content than yellow cornmeal, which contributes to a more filling and satisfying dish.

The use of blue cornmeal in this cornbread gives it a distinctive appearance and a deeper, more complex flavor. The slight nuttiness of the cornmeal pairs beautifully with the creamy yogurt and the tartness of the rhubarb, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

How to Serve Vanilla Rhubarb Yogurt Blue Cornbread

Vanilla Rhubarb Yogurt Blue Cornbread can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It makes for a perfect breakfast or brunch item, paired with a cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the cornbread makes it a great accompaniment to fresh fruit, while its savory elements allow it to pair well with a variety of spreads, such as butter, nut butter, or even a dollop of jam or honey.

This cornbread is also a wonderful side dish for savory meals. Serve it alongside a hearty stew, chili, or grilled meats to add a touch of sweetness and texture to your meal. Because the recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free, it is suitable for many dietary needs, making it an excellent choice for gatherings and family meals.

For those looking to enjoy it as a snack, the cornbread can be enjoyed on its own or with a cup of plant-based milk. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, try drizzling some maple syrup or agave nectar over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.

Conclusion: A Unique Twist on a Classic

Vanilla Rhubarb Yogurt Blue Cornbread is a creative and flavorful take on traditional cornbread. With its unique combination of blue cornmeal, rhubarb, and yogurt, this recipe offers a fresh twist on a classic comfort food. The addition of rhubarb provides a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness of the blue cornmeal and the creamy texture of the yogurt, while the use of stevia syrup ensures that the cornbread is naturally sweetened without added sugars.

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