Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of yellow cornmeal
- 3 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces of smoked salmon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Freshly ground black pepper
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Serving dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the salt and slowly pour in the cornmeal, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
3. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring the mixture until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot, about 15 minutes.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, smoked salmon, dill, and butter until well combined.
5. Season with black pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mămăligă to a serving dish and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-low heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 630mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Yellow cornmeal can be substituted with white cornmeal or polenta.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any hard cheese.
- Smoked salmon can be substituted with any smoked fish or cooked shrimp.
- Fresh dill can be substituted with dried dill or any other fresh herb.
Variations:
- Add chopped green onions or chives for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta.
- Add cooked vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms.
Tips and Tricks:
- Stir the cornmeal constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture to prevent scratching the pot.
- Let the mămăligă cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftover mămăligă in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat the mămăligă, place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the mămăligă in individual bowls or on a platter.
- Garnish with additional chopped dill or smoked salmon.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
- Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Grilled asparagus
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the mămăligă is too thick, add a little more water and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the mămăligă is too thin, add a little more cornmeal and stir until it thickens.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the mămăligă thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food History:
- Mămăligă is a traditional Romanian dish made from cornmeal and is similar to Italian polenta.
Flavor Profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, and smoky with a hint of dill.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled or roasted meats.
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