Creamy Polenta with Cheese (Mămăligă cu Brânză)
Mămăligă cu Brânză, or Creamy Polenta with Cheese, is a traditional Romanian dish that is simple, comforting, and incredibly delicious. This creamy polenta is enriched with the savory flavor of cheese, making it a perfect side dish or even a main course.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grated cheese (such as telemea, feta, or parmesan)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
- Gradually add the cornmeal to the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes or until it thickens and the cornmeal is tender.
- Stir in the salt and grated cheese until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the polenta.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the polenta rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 10 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 30 minutes
- Total time:
- 40 minutes
- Cooking method
- Stovetop
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 250
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Protein
- 10g
- Fat
- 8g
Supplies
Large pot Stirring spoon
Tools
Grater (for cheese)
Serving suggestions
Serve the creamy polenta with cheese as a side dish to grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a comforting and filling meal.
Tips & tricks
For extra creaminess, you can stir in a knob of butter or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
Cost
Low