Europeans > Romanian > Traditional

Mămăligă î Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup grated cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add 1 tsp of salt to the water.
3. Slowly pour in 2 cups of yellow cornmeal while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
4. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for 20-30 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
5. If desired, stir in 1 cup of grated cheese until melted.
6. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top.


Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
Temperature:
Low heat
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Yellow cornmeal can be substituted with white cornmeal or polenta.
- Grated cheese can be substituted with feta or goat cheese.
- Sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche.

Variations:
- Add chopped herbs such as parsley or chives to the mixture for added flavor.
- Top with sautéed mushrooms or onions for a savory twist.
- Serve with a tomato or meat-based sauce for a heartier meal.

Tips and tricks:
- Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a non-stick pot to prevent sticking.
- Add more water if the mixture is too thick.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the mixture.

Presentation ideas:
Serve in a shallow bowl with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped herbs or grated cheese.

Pairings:
Mămăligă î pairs well with grilled meats, stews, or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too thin, add more cornmeal.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more water.
- If lumps form, use a whisk to break them up.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the cornmeal mixture thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
Mămăligă î is a traditional Romanian dish made from cornmeal. It is often served as a side dish or as a main course with various toppings.

Flavor profiles:
Mămăligă î has a mild corn flavor and a creamy texture. The addition of cheese and sour cream adds richness and tanginess.

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a side dish or as a main course with various toppings.

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Region: Romanian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Earthy, Herbal, Nutty