Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of yellow cornmeal
- 6 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
3. Gradually add 2 cups of yellow cornmeal to the boiling water, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese until it melts.
6. Add 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions to the mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray and pour the mixture into it.
8. Let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing it into wedges.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Boiling water
Serving size:
- 6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 285
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Yellow cornmeal can be substituted with white cornmeal or polenta.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
- Bacon can be substituted with ham or sausage.
- Green onions can be substituted with chives or shallots.
Variations:
- Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Substitute the bacon with cooked ground beef or chicken for a meatier version.
- Add chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a whisk to prevent lumps from forming in the cornmeal mixture.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
- Let the mixture cool before slicing it to prevent it from falling apart.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the mămăligă wedges on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
Garnishes:
- Chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
Pairings:
- Grilled meats like chicken or steak
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts
Suggested side dishes:
- Salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled corn on the cob
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too thin, continue cooking it until it thickens.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the bacon is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the mixture.
Food history:
- Mămăligă is a traditional Romanian dish made from cornmeal.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and smoky
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the mămăligă as a main dish or as a side dish.
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Region: Romanian