Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Serving dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Slowly pour in 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter.
5. Add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Mix well.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Pour the mixture into a serving dish and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
8. Cut into slices and serve warm.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-low heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Yellow cornmeal can be substituted with polenta or grits.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or queso fresco.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with cilantro or basil.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Top with sliced avocado or a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
Tips and tricks:
- Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a non-stick pot to make cleaning easier.
- Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before cutting into slices.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula.
- Top with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Sliced avocado
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Greek salad
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water.
- If the mixture is too thin, add a little more cornmeal.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the cornmeal mixture thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Mămăligă is a traditional Romanian dish made from cornmeal.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and slightly earthy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or as a side dish.
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Region: Romanian