Romanian Leek Stew With Olives Recipe – Mancare de Praz cu Masline

A large pan with the stew in it photographed from above

I have to confess that it is the first time I am cooking this Romanian leek stew with olives recipe. As the 1st of April approaches, which would have been my grandma’s birthday, I found myself thinking about her more and more. And this is one of the recipes she used to cook often. I […]

Romanian Garlic Mushrooms With Sour Cream Sauce Recipe – Ciuperci cu Smantana

The garlic mushrooms with sauce on a gray plate, next to yellow polenta. There is chopped dill sprinkled on top.

During the 40 days leading up to Easter, many Romanians observe Lent, a period when meat consumption is reduced or avoided altogether, especially on Fridays. Even for those who are not particularly religious, this time of year often coincides with the arrival of spring, when lighter, vegetable-based dishes start appearing more often on the table. […]

Traditional Romanian Breakfast – What to Eat in Romania for Breakfast?

Spring onions and garlic, red and white onions, slanina and cheese on a table

I love a good traditional Romanian breakfast. At home, I’m really not a breakfast person. Most mornings start with a hot coffee and that’s about it until lunchtime rolls around. But every time I go back to Romania, something shifts. Coffee is still there, obviously, but it’s suddenly accompanied by plates of food, sliced bread, […]

Romanian Cauliflower and Chicken Stew Recipe – Mâncare de Conopidă cu Pui

A blue bowl filled with the cauliflower and chicken stew. The bowl sits on a wooden board, next to a wooden spoon

The other day, while trying to decide what to make for dinner, I realised I was craving something I hadn’t cooked in years. I needed it to be simple and comforting, as I was battling a cold and had very little energy to spend in the kitchen. That’s when this traditional Romanian cauliflower and chicken […]

Romanian Walnut and Plum Jam Cookies Recipe – Cornulete cu Nuca si Gem de Prune

A plate with the walnut and plum jam cookies on top of each other, next to a Christmas tree

Winter is a great season in Romania because it comes with so many amazing cookies. And let me tell you, we have a lot of different recipes. Who doesn’t love cookies and cakes anyway? These Romanian walnut and plum jam cookies are a true winter classic. You’ll almost always find them on Romanian Christmas and […]

Romanian Spicy Chicken Pan Recipe – Tigaie de Pui Picanta

A grey plate with the spicy chicken stir fry on one side, and roast potatoes in the middle

The Romanian spicy chicken pan recipe is one of those dishes that became popular almost overnight. About 15 years ago, restaurants and pubs in Bucharest’s Old Town started adding it to their menus, usually as the ideal pre-club meal shared with friends. It quickly turned into a favourite because it is comforting, quick to prepare, […]

Traditional Romanian Mamaliga Recipe – Polenta

A close-up of the polenta, which is yellow, on a wooden board.

I’ve been thinking for a long time to write about “mamaliga”, this staple of the Romanian cuisine. But I’ve always delayed it because, even if it’s such a humble traditional dish, is so embedded into us, Romanians, that any way I’d explain the recipe, would create controversy. This is because no mamaliga is the same. […]