Mămăligă: A Taste of Romania's Traditional Cornmeal Porridge

Dish recipes: Mămăligă
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Mămăligă is a beloved dish in Romania, often referred to as "cornmeal porridge" or "Romanian polenta." This hearty and comforting dish has a rich history and plays a significant role in Romanian cuisine.

Ingredients:

To prepare Mămăligă, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 cup yellow cornmeal

3 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

Grated cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create delicious Mămăligă

Boil the Water:

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.

Add Cornmeal:

Gradually add the cornmeal into the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Stir and Cook:

Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir the mixture for about 20-30 minutes. The cornmeal will thicken and pull away from the sides of the pot.

Add Salt and Butter:

Stir in the salt and butter, mixing them well into the Mămăligă.

Shape and Serve:

While the Mămăligă is still hot, transfer it onto a wooden board or platter. You can shape it into a round or rectangular form.

Garnish (Optional):

For an extra touch, you can sprinkle grated cheese on top of the Mămăligă before it cools.

Serving:

Mămăligă can be served as a side dish or even as the main course. It pairs wonderfully with stews, sausages, fried eggs, or sour cream. You can enjoy it hot, and it's often used as a base for various toppings and fillings.

Mămăligă is more than just a dish; it's a part of Romania's culinary tradition and culture. Its simple yet comforting taste makes it a favorite on Romanian dinner tables.