World Flavors Cookbook

Mămăligă

Romania's national polenta — a firm cornmeal porridge sliced with string and served with brânză (sheep cheese), sour cream, and fried eggs.

Cuisine: Romania

Ingredients

• 2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter
• Brânză de burduf (sheep cheese), crumbled
• Sour cream, fried eggs, fried bacon for serving

Instructions

1. Bring salted water to boil. Gradually add cornmeal while stirring.
2. Stir continuously for 25-30 minutes over medium heat until very thick.
3. Add butter. The mămăligă should pull away from the pot cleanly.
4. Turn onto a wooden board. Let cool slightly.
5. Slice with a string (not a knife — tradition!).
6. Serve slices topped with crumbled sheep cheese, sour cream, and a fried egg.