Mamaliga Recipe

Mamaliga is the Romanian version of comfort food.  It is essentially a corn meal mush, that often has other ingredients added to it for flavor.  This mamaliga recipe has butter, a variety of cheeses, and cream added to give it richness and creaminess.

Originally a peasant food item, you now see it in restaurants, served next to short ribs, pork chops, or roast.

Is Mamaliga the same as Polenta?

Yes.  They are both made from corn meal and water.  The thickness of each varies on your purpose, and can go from porridge-like to bread-like.

Is Mamaliga/Polenta the same as Grits?

It’s close, but not quite the same.  According Master Class, they are made with different kinds of corn meal and produce a different texture.

Mamaliga cu Branza (Mamaliga with Cheese)

One of the most delicious and comforting ways presentations for mamaliga is mamaliga cu branza, or mamaliga with cheese.  In Romania, they have a delicious sheep cheese named Telemea, that’s very similar to the Greek Feta Cheese.  A variety of cheese will work well with a mamaliga recipe, especially a good melting cheese.

What you’ll need for the Mamaliga Recipe:

First, you will need a tall pot.  This recipe splatters when it cooks, so you’ll need something that will accommodate that.  You’ll also need a whisk.

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1-1/4 cups yellow corn meal
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup Feta Cheese or Telemea Cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup Mild Cheddar Cheese, shredded or shaved
• 1/2 cup Gruyere Cheese, shredded or shaved
• Sour cream to serve (optional but recommended for the Romanian version)

How to make the Mamaliga Recipe:

1. Bring the water to a boil in a tall pot.  Add the salt.
2. Lower the heat to medium and gradually add a little of the corn meal at a time.  Alternate with the milk.  Stir with a whisk until all of the liquid is incorporated.  This will take about 5 to 6 minutes.  Do not leave the pot unattended or you might have a mess to clean.
3. Turn the heat on low.  Stir in the cream and mix until smooth.

4.  Add the butter and cheeses.  Stir until smooth.

How to serve Mamaliga:

You can serve mamaliga in a variety of ways. You can serve it with eggs for breakfast, or a meat dish or deli meats for lunch or dinner.  In Romania, it is often served with a generous dollop of sour cream.

Here I served it next to my Baked Short Ribs.

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Mamaliga Recipe

Mamaliga is the Romanian version of comfort food.  It is essentially a corn meal mush, that often has other ingredients added to it for flavor. Originally a peasant food item, you now see it in restaurants, served next to short ribs, pork chops, or roast.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Romanian

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1-1/4 cups yellow corn meal
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup Feta Cheese or Telemea Cheese crumbled
• 1 cup Mild Cheddar Cheese shredded or shaved
• 1/2 cup Gruyere Cheese shredded or shaved
• Sour cream to serve optional but recommended for the Romanian version

Instructions

1. Bring the water to a boil in a tall pot.  Add the salt.
2. Lower the heat to medium and gradually add a little of the corn meal at a time.  Alternate with the milk.  Stir with a whisk until all of the liquid is incorporated.  This will take about 5 to 6 minutes.  Do not leave the pot unattended or you might have a mess to clean.
3. Turn the heat on low.  Stir in the cream and mix until smooth.
4. Add the butter and cheeses.  Stir until smooth.

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