Mamaliga
Dive into the rustic comfort of mamaliga, a traditional Romanian dish that’s as versatile as it is satisfying. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients—cornmeal, water, salt, and butter—this creamy polenta-style dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals or hearty side dishes. Its rich, buttery texture pairs beautifully with optional toppings like grated cheese and sour cream, or serves as the ideal accompaniment to stews, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. Whether served hot and creamy or cooled and sliced for a firmer texture, mamaliga is a timeless recipe brimming with old-world charm and flavor. Perfect for gluten-free eaters and fans of comfort food alike, this dish is a must-try for anyone seeking wholesome, authentic cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Cornmeal (medium or coarse grind)
- 1 liter Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 50 grams Butter
- 50 grams Grated cheese (optional, for serving)
- 100 grams Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
As the water starts boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir to dissolve.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the cornmeal in a steady stream, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
Continue stirring the mixture for 10–15 minutes, until it thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pot. Be careful, as the mixture may bubble and splatter.
Lower the heat to its lowest setting and add the butter. Stir until the butter is fully incorporated, and the mamaliga becomes smooth and creamy.
Turn off the heat and allow the mamaliga to cool for a few minutes in the pot. It will firm up slightly as it sits.
Transfer the mamaliga to a serving dish and smooth the surface with a spoon or spatula. Alternatively, you can pour it onto a wooden board and let it set for a few minutes for a firmer texture.
Serve hot with grated cheese and sour cream, if desired, or as a side dish to accompany meats, stews, or vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
422 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.8 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.8 g | 59% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 806 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.0 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 8.4 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 315 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 145 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
