Mamaliga Cu Branza Cornmeal Mush with Cheese
Experience a taste of traditional Romanian comfort food with Mamaliga Cu Branza, a hearty cornmeal mush layered with tangy cheese. This rustic dish, made with simple yet wholesome ingredients like medium-ground cornmeal, creamy butter, and crumbled feta or authentic brรขnzฤ de burduf, celebrates the beauty of countryside cooking. The cornmeal is gently simmered and whisked to perfection, creating a soft, velvety base that pairs beautifully with the savory saltiness of the cheese. Serve it warm with a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying main dish or a side, this recipe offers a delicious and nostalgic journey into Eastern European cuisine, perfect for cozy family meals or cultural celebrations.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams cornmeal (preferably medium-ground)
- 1 liter water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 50 grams butter
- 150 grams feta cheese (or traditional Romanian brรขnzฤ de burduf)
- 100 grams sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a medium pot, bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the salt to the boiling water.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Gradually add the cornmeal to the water in a steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Once all the cornmeal is incorporated, switch to a wooden spoon and continue stirring frequently. Cook the mixture for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated into the cornmeal mush.
In a serving dish or a deep baking dish, spread half of the cooked cornmeal in an even layer.
Crumble the feta cheese over the layer of cornmeal, distributing it evenly. If desired, you can add additional cheese for a richer flavor.
Spread the remaining cornmeal over the cheese layer, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon or spatula.
Let the dish cool slightly before slicing into portions. Serve warm, optionally topped with sour cream for added richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
473 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.7 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.9 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 74 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 1005 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.8 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.6 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 253 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 158 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.
