The spelling of the word "Indian Meal" can be a bit confusing as it does not follow traditional English orthography. The first word "Indian" is spelled /ˈɪndiən/, with the emphasis on the first syllable, and is derived from the country India. The second word "Meal" is spelled /miːl/ and refers to a coarse cornmeal or a rye and cornmeal mixture. Together, the phrase refers to a type of food made from coarse cornmeal often used in traditional American Indian cuisine.
Indian meal refers to a kind of coarse cornmeal that is produced by grinding up corn kernels into a granular texture. It is widely used as a staple food in many regions around the world, including India, Africa, and the Caribbean. Indian meal is particularly popular in Native American cuisine, where it is commonly used to make various dishes such as breads, porridges, and puddings.
The process of manufacturing Indian meal typically involves removing the outer husk from the corn kernels, followed by grinding the kernels into a coarser consistency. The resulting meal is often yellow or white in color and has a slightly gritty texture. Indian meal is highly nutritious, as it contains essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Due to its versatility and long shelf life, Indian meal has become a dietary staple for many cultures. It can be cooked in various ways, such as boiling, baking, or frying, to create a multitude of dishes. Indian meal can be used as a base for breads, both leavened and unleavened, providing a hearty texture. It can also be cooked into a thick porridge or pudding by mixing it with milk or water, sometimes sweetened with sugar or flavored with fruits or spices.
In summary, Indian meal is a coarse cornmeal that is widely used in various cuisines around the world. It is highly versatile, nutritious, and can be cooked in numerous ways to create a range of delicious dishes.
The word "Indian Meal" has its origins in the British colonization of India. In the early 17th century, when British traders and colonizers arrived in India, they discovered a type of grain commonly consumed by the local people. This grain had a yellowish color and a coarse texture.
The British initially referred to this grain as "Indian corn" due to its similarity to maize. However, it was later simplified to "Indian" to distinguish it from other types of corn. Over time, as it became more popular in Britain, it came to be known as "Indian Meal". This term was used to describe the processed grain that was ground into a coarse flour or meal, which was then used to make various food items, including porridge, bread, and pancakes.
Eventually, the term "Indian Meal" became generalized to include any coarse grain meal, not just the specific type of grain from India.