Traditional Romanian Polenta Recipe
The Romanian polenta is one of the most traditional recipes in the country. Here is how to make it.
Ingredients
- 1 litre water
- 250 gr cornmeal medium-ground, look for Romanian malai
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter optional
Instructions
- Pour the water into a heavy pot (like a Dutch oven) and add the salt. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, slowly sprinkle in the cornmeal in a thin “rain” while whisking continuously.
- Reduce heat to low and continue whisking for 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Cover with a lid and let the mamaliga simmer for 10 minutes
- Optional: whisk in a tablespoon of butter for a creamier texture.
- For a soft mamaliga, serve now.
- For a firm, sliceable mamaliga::
- – Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for another 10 minutes.
- – Turn the heat back on for 1 minute, then switch off again.
- – Replace the lid with a wooden board, flip the pot upside down, and let the mamaliga slide out.
- Cut using string (traditional Romanian method) and serve warm.