Romanian food

Mămăligă (Polenta)

Mamaliga is a national Romanian food, but you may find it with Italians, Hungarians and other nations for sure, known around as ‘polenta’. Made from stone-ground, bright orange, local cornmeal, mamaliga is an essential to Moldavian and Romanian cuisine, as rice is to the Chinese.

Preparing time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4 to 6

Adapted from: www.exploringromania.com

Ingredients

2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
7 cups water

Cooking directions

1. Bring the water and salt to a boil. Pour a slow stream of cornmeal into the hot water while stirring vigorously to prevent lumps.

2. After adding all the cornmeal stir for several minutes, then cover the pot. After about 10 minutes stir again, scraping the sides and bottom of the pan.

3. Remove from the heat and serve with your favorite dish.

Suggestions

Mamaliga can be served hot, warm or cold as you like and can also be served as base for other dishes. Use 8 cups of water for a softer mamaliga or 6 cups for a harder one.

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