Hominy is a dried and matured corn kernel that is a very popular mostly used in Mexican cuisine. It is also one of the main ingredients in Mexican Pozole. It is made from the kernels of the corn that go through a process that turns them into edible products and this process is called nixtamalization. You can also do the same process at home but it requires a lot of time. Hominy is also a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine. It has an earthy and sweet taste unlike corn, on the other hand, that has a more complex taste. The process for preparing hominy is the same as the process for cooking dried beans. But if you do not have any hominy at home there are other alternatives you can use in its place.
Some of the best alternatives to hominy include canned hominy, samp, dried beans, chickpeas, polenta meal, corn, buckwheat grits, and grits to name a few. The alternatives will provide you with results that will be as if you used hominy. Below is a description of some of the best substitutes for hominy.
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Canned Hominy
Canned hominy a rehydrated hominy and placed in a can, is our first option for a hominy alternative. Canned hominy can be purchased at the supermarkets. In addition, canned hominy is made up of grains that are the same as corn. Canned hominy also has a mild flavour but needs to be dried before using. You can use canned hominy in any recipe that requires hominy. Simply use canned hominy the same way as you would use canned sweet corn. You can also use it as substitute in all recipes like chicken soups or add it with meat.
Samp
Another substitute that you can consider is samp. Samp is a corn permutation and it can be another way to replace hominy in your meals. It is dried but the kernels are cracked into pieces, unlike those of hominy that have whole kernels. Also, samp is a dish that includes dried corn kernels. It is a popular southern African dish that is very delicious and can be used as a way to replace hominy too. You can use in almost any dish that may require hominy.
Dried Beans
Also on our list of substitutes for hominy is dried beans. If you are out of hominy, dried beans can be an excellent alternative for your recipe. Keep in mind that you should cook the beans first by putting them in a large pot in water and bringing them to simmer. You can later mash them if you like and simply use them as they are. The cooked beans have a better texture and are more suitable as a replacement for hominy. You can add cooked beans in almost any dish that may require hominy. Consider adding onion or garlic in the process of making your meals in order to add more aroma. To use dried beans in place of hominy use a cup of dried beans for a cup of hominy in soups or stews.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas also make great substitutes for hominy. They are also one of your best alternatives for hominy. You can find chickpeas as gazebo beans and utilize them in place of hominy in most recipes. Chickpeas have a similar taste of hominy with their nutty and grainy taste but they do not have the same puffy and chewy texture as hominy. As such, chickpeas may not bring out the same thickness to your meal as hominy would. However, you can use chickpeas for chili, casserole, or even soup.
Polenta Meal
Also on our list of best substitutes for hominy is polenta meal. Polenta meal is also quite similar to hominy and can be used as a substitute in cooking. You can use polenta as a breakfast or side dish.
Polenta meal has a firm, creamy texture and its taste is similar to light corn. In Italian cooking, polenta meal is sometimes used as a replacement for pasta. It is a suitable replacement in most recipes and you can mix it together with dumplings, tortillas, as well as stew.
Corn
Another excellent substitute for hominy is corn. Corn is also one of the best alternatives to hominy as well. Basically, hominy comes from corn, and that makes it a perfect replacement in all the meals that call for hominy. You can use either fresh or frozen corn to make most savoury dishes. Keep in mind that corn may bring you a different texture and flavour. Even though the two are part of the same family, corn can be different in the process of cooking. To use corn in place of hominy use a 1 to 1 ratio and change it accordingly when there is a need to.
Buckwheat Grits
Buckwheat grits make a great alternative to hominy. You can use buckwheat grits instead of hominy in your recipes in order to reach a very similar flavour and texture. You can also use it as a swap to make a side dish in which you will get the filling texture that you need as well a similar grain taste. Buckwheat grits can also be used for making soups, stews, as well as chilies. They are typically great if you are making savoury food. Simply use a 1 to 1 ratio when replacing hominy for buckwheat grits.
Grits
Lastly, you can use grits as a substitute for hominy. Smooth, mild, and thick grits are an excellent alternative. Grits are also easy to prepare and you can use them for most recipes that call for hominy. All you need is to do is to just boil them and mix them with the other ingredients to prepare your dish. Grits are normally used as a breakfast but you can prepare them as a side dish with meat. To make them taste even better, simply add some salt and butter when you are preparing them for your meal. You can add grits in most of the recipes that may call for hominy but it is best to use them as a side dish when replacing with hominy.