Romanian Mămăligă cu Brânză și Smântână
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Cornmeal — 140 g (5 oz)
- Water — 960 ml (32 fl oz)
- Salt — 1 tsp
- Crumbled telemea or feta cheese — 150 g (5 oz)
- Sour cream — 120 g (4 oz)
- Butter — 2 tbsp
Method
- Bring the water to a boil in a heavy saucepan with the salt.
- Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for 20–25 minutes until thick and pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Stir in the butter.
- Spoon the hot mămăligă into bowls.
- Top generously with crumbled cheese and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Introduction: Creamy polenta served with crumbled cheese and sour cream, a beloved and comforting Romanian breakfast staple.
Cultural Background: Mămăligă holds a treasured place in Romanian cuisine, historically a peasant staple made from cornmeal, and it remains a beloved comfort food eaten at any time of day, often paired simply with cheese and sour cream for breakfast.
Tips: Whisk continuously when first adding the cornmeal to avoid lumps forming. Stir frequently throughout cooking, as mămăligă can stick and burn on the bottom if left unattended.
Variations: Serve alongside fried eggs for a heartier breakfast. Top with a spoonful of stew or sauce for a more substantial meal.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; it will firm up considerably when cold.
Reheating: Reheat gently with a splash of water, stirring, to loosen back to a creamy consistency, or slice and pan-fry the firm leftovers.
FAQs:
Q: What is telemea?
A: A traditional Romanian brined cheese, similar to feta, commonly used to top mămăligă.
Q: Can mămăligă be eaten in other ways?
A: Yes, once cooled and firm, it can be sliced and fried, or used as a base for various savoury toppings.
- Cornmeal — 140 g (5 oz)
- Water — 960 ml (32 fl oz)
- Salt — 1 tsp
- Crumbled telemea or feta cheese — 150 g (5 oz)
- Sour cream — 120 g (4 oz)
- Butter — 2 tbsp
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