Mastering Cast Iron Cornbread: A Black Bean Buttermilk Recipe & Chili Contest!

There are some culinary creations that instantly transport you, evoking cherished memories and the simple joy of good food shared with friends. For me, one such dish is this delectable cornbread. I first savored it during an unforgettable enlightening cooking trip in Napa, a journey filled with new flavors and delightful company. That experience left such an impression that I simply had to recreate it in my own kitchen.

Bringing that Napa magic home, I recently whipped up a batch of this fantastic cornbread, and it was the perfect accompaniment to a comforting bowl of White Bean Chile Verde. The combination was nothing short of delicious, proving that some recipes are simply meant to be revisited and enjoyed time and again. The aroma alone filled my home with a warmth that promised a satisfying meal.

The Secret to Superior Cornbread: The Cast Iron Skillet

This time, I decided to bake my cornbread in a cast iron skillet – a first for me, and let me tell you, it made all the difference. The cast iron skillet is truly a game-changer when it comes to achieving that quintessential cornbread texture. The high, even heat distribution of a preheated cast iron pan creates an unparalleled crispness on the edges and bottom of the cornbread, forming a delightful crust that contrasts beautifully with the moist, tender interior.

The rustic charm of serving cornbread sliced into wedges directly from the skillet adds to the experience, making each piece feel hearty and authentic. There’s something undeniably comforting and traditional about a perfectly baked cornbread, especially one with such a satisfying crunch on the outside. This method ensures that every bite is a harmonious blend of textures, from the golden-brown crust to the fluffy crumb within. It’s a culinary technique that I now swear by for any future cornbread adventures.

Enhancing Your Cornbread Experience: Perfect Pairings

While the cornbread itself is a star, its flavor truly shines when paired thoughtfully. On this occasion, I served it with some incredibly flavorful hot pepper jelly I had on hand in the pantry. The sweet heat of the jelly provided a fantastic counterpoint to the savory cornbread, creating a delicious and surprisingly sophisticated combination that delighted the palate. The subtle warmth of the peppers complemented the slight sweetness of the cornbread, elevating a simple side dish into something truly special.

Beyond pepper jelly, cornbread is incredibly versatile. It’s a classic partner for hearty stews, slow-cooked chili, barbecue ribs, and any robust main course. A pat of butter melting into a warm slice, or a drizzle of honey, can also transform it into a delightful treat. The beauty of homemade cornbread lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor its accompaniments to suit any meal or craving. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there’s a perfect pairing for your freshly baked cornbread.

An Exciting Opportunity: Bush’s Beans Chili Recipe Giveaway!

Before I dive into the full cornbread recipe, I have some truly exciting news to share! Our wonderful partners at Bush’s Beans have curated an incredible gift basket for one lucky reader. This isn’t just any prize; it’s a collection designed to inspire culinary adventures and celebrate the joy of home cooking, especially with beans!

What Awaits You: The Grand Prize Gift Basket Details

This fantastic gift basket is packed with treasures that any food enthusiast would adore. It includes items that celebrate regional cuisine, cooking expertise, and the quality products from Bush’s Beans:

A Sonoma Diet Cookbook signed by Connie Gutterson, RD: Discover delicious, healthy recipes and expert nutritional advice from a renowned registered dietitian, directly from the heart of California’s wine country. This cookbook will be an invaluable addition to your culinary library, guiding you towards wholesome and flavorful meals.
Napa Valley specialty items including: olive oil, candle and chili spices: Immerse yourself in the gourmet delights of Napa Valley. Experience the rich flavors of premium olive oil, set the mood with a beautifully scented candle, and elevate your dishes with authentic chili spices that capture the essence of Californian cuisine.
Culinary Institute of America items including: towel, wooden spoon and decorative spoon rest: Bring a touch of professional culinary flair to your kitchen with high-quality items from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. These practical yet elegant tools will make your cooking experience even more enjoyable and stylish.
Bush’s Beans items including: Bush’s Beans apron, bean strainer, assorted Bush’s Beans: Show your love for beans with a branded Bush’s Beans apron, making you look the part while you cook. The bean strainer will be incredibly useful for preparing your favorite bean dishes, and a selection of assorted Bush’s Beans will provide endless possibilities for delicious, comforting meals.

How to Enter and Win This Amazing Culinary Prize!

Entering this exciting contest is simple and delicious! To be eligible to win this incredible gift basket, all you need to do is share your favorite chili recipe. We want to hear about the recipes that warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. It could be a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, a culinary creation you’ve perfected yourself, or even a beloved recipe discovered in your favorite magazine, cookbook, or website.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post. If your recipe is available online, please include a direct link to it. If not, feel free to type out the recipe in your comment. Remember to specify the source of the recipe, whether it’s “Grandma’s secret recipe” or from a specific cookbook. We love hearing the stories behind your culinary inspirations!

For my fellow food bloggers: if you’re sharing your own recipe and it’s already posted on your blog, please leave a comment with a link to your blog post. As an added bonus, I will be compiling a special “round-up” post featuring all the blogger chili recipes (with links back to your original posts) to share with all my readers. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your culinary talent and connect with a wider audience! If you wish to be included in this exclusive round-up, please email me a high-quality photo of your chili and the link to your recipe post at aggiedgoodman (at) gmail.com.

Boost Your Chances: Additional Entries!

After you’ve submitted your fantastic chili recipe, you have two extra opportunities to increase your chances of winning this amazing Bush’s Beans prize!

Become a Fan of Aggie’s Kitchen on Facebook: Join our vibrant community of food lovers! Head over to Aggie’s Kitchen on Facebook and hit that ‘Like’ button. If you’re already a cherished fan, then share our page with your foodie friends, family, and anyone who loves delicious recipes! Once you’ve done so, come back here and leave a separate comment letting us know that you’ve become a fan or shared the page. This comment will count as one additional entry for you!
Spread the Word: Post About This Contest! Help us spread the excitement! Share details about this giveaway on your personal blog, your Facebook profile, or on Twitter. Let your followers know about the fantastic prize and how they can enter. After you’ve posted, return to this blog post and leave another comment, informing us where you shared the contest. This will earn you yet another additional entry!

The contest will officially close on Saturday, April 3 at midnight, EST. The fortunate winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries and will be announced shortly after the contest concludes. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to win!

The Recipe You’ve Been Waiting For: Black Bean Buttermilk Cornbread

Oh, and before I completely forget amidst all the excitement of the giveaway, here’s the much-anticipated cornbread recipe that started it all! This recipe, adapted from the esteemed Culinary Institute of America, is a testament to simple yet sophisticated baking. It delivers a cornbread that is both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully moist, perfect for any occasion.

Black Bean Buttermilk Cornbread

Recipe adapted from the Culinary Institute of America

(Click here for a printable recipe)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cornbread. Ensure it’s fresh for best results.
1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with the beautiful golden-brown crust.
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal: The star ingredient, giving cornbread its characteristic texture and flavor. Medium-ground cornmeal works wonderfully here.
3/4 cup Bush’s black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds a savory depth, appealing texture, and a boost of nutrition. Rinsing removes excess sodium and starch.
1 tablespoon baking powder: The primary leavening agent, ensuring your cornbread rises nicely and has a light crumb.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cornbread; kosher salt offers a clean taste.
2 large whole eggs, lightly beaten: Act as a binder, adding richness and moisture to the batter.
1 1/4 cups buttermilk: Crucial for a tender, moist crumb and a slight tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
1/2 cup rice oil (or vegetable oil): Contributes to the moistness and tender texture of the cornbread. A neutral-flavored oil is best.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds a rich, buttery flavor and additional moisture. Make sure it’s melted but not hot when added to the wet ingredients.
Salt and pepper: A pinch, to taste, for seasoning the hot skillet if desired, or to add to the batter for a more savory profile.

Instructions:

Prepare Your Oven and Skillet: Preheat your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). For that signature crispy crust, lightly grease a 9-inch cast iron pan or individual oven-proof crocks. Place the greased pan in the preheating oven and let it heat thoroughly for about 15-20 minutes. This critical step ensures an instant sizzle when the batter hits the hot surface, guaranteeing a crisp exterior. While the skillet heats, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, and kosher salt. Ensure they are well combined to distribute the leavening evenly.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, rich buttermilk, the rice oil (or vegetable oil), and the melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Once combined, gently fold in the rinsed and drained Bush’s black beans. This adds a fantastic texture and savory note to the cornbread.
Mix and Bake to Perfection: Carefully remove the very hot cast iron pan from the oven. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable and can prevent a tough cornbread. Pour the batter quickly and evenly into the preheated, greased pan. Place it back into the oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the surface turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates it’s fully cooked through.

Once baked, carefully remove the cornbread from the oven. For the best flavor and texture, allow it to cool slightly in the pan for a few minutes before slicing into moist wedges. Serve it warm with your favorite accompaniments, such as spicy red pepper jam, a dollop of fresh butter, or alongside a hearty bowl of chili. Enjoy this truly delicious and satisfying Black Bean Buttermilk Cornbread!

(PS…To ensure full transparency, I want to clarify that my memorable trip to Napa was generously sponsored by Bush’s Beans. However, Bush’s Beans has not compensated me to express positive sentiments about their products. All opinions and culinary experiences shared on this blog are entirely my own and reflect my genuine enjoyment. Thank you for your understanding!)