VegetarianRomanianMedium

Romanian Mămăligă with Cheese, Sour Cream, and Butter

Mămăligă is a creamy cornmeal dish topped with cheese, sour cream, and butter, embodying Romanian comfort in just 30 minutes.

About This Recipe

Mămăligă is a staple Romanian dish, resembling polenta but with its own unique flavor and texture. Served warm, it's perfect for any meal.

Originating from Romania, mămăligă is a cornmeal dish that has been cherished for centuries. Traditionally, it's served as a side or main dish, embodying the rustic flavors of Romanian cuisine.

This method of slowly cooking the cornmeal in boiling water allows for the grains to expand and absorb moisture, resulting in a creamy texture. Stirring continuously helps achieve a smooth consistency, which is key in avoiding lumps.

You can expect a comforting, hearty dish with a slightly grainy texture from the cornmeal, complemented by the salty feta and rich sour cream. A common pitfall is not whisking the cornmeal in gradually, which can lead to clumping.

Mămăligă pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sautéed vegetables. You can also enjoy it as a hearty breakfast topped with more cheese and sour cream.

Why This Recipe Works

Creamy texture: Slow cooking the cornmeal ensures it becomes smooth and velvety.
Flavor balance: The salt in the water enhances the natural sweetness of the cornmeal.
Versatile serving: Toppings like cheese and sour cream add richness and depth to the dish.

Chef's Pro Tip: For an extra creamy finish, let the mămăligă rest for a few minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

Pinar - MsPinaQ

2026-09-21

Recipe by MsPinaQ

0(0 reviews)

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

20 min

Total Time

30 min

Servings

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Cups → Grams Oven °C / °F Servings

Directions

1
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
2
Gradually whisk in 1 cup of cornmeal to prevent lumps, stirring continuously.
3
Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring regularly until thickened.
4
Once thick, remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted.
5
Serve warm, topped with crumbled feta cheese, sour cream, and a sprinkle of black pepper.