Mamaliga cu branza From Moldova

A thick and hearty polenta dish, served with fresh sheeps cheese and crispy dried meat.

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"Life is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." - Alexei Mateevici

Mamaliga cu branza is a traditional Moldovan dish that consists of two main components: mamaliga, a type of cornmeal porridge, and branza, which is a type of white cheese. It's a simple yet hearty dish that showcases the staple ingredients of Moldovan cuisine. Mamaliga cu branza is often enjoyed as a comfort food, offering a combination of textures and flavors that reflect the country's agricultural heritage.

Moldova's culinary history is deeply connected to its agricultural traditions, and mamaliga cu branza is a prime example of how simple, locally available ingredients have been transformed into a delicious dish over generations.

Mamaliga: Mamaliga, similar to polenta, is a cornmeal porridge that has been a dietary staple in Eastern Europe for centuries. In Moldova, mamaliga was traditionally prepared as a side dish to accompany various main courses. It was a practical and filling option for Moldovan farmers and peasants who had easy access to corn, a crop that thrived in the region's climate.

Branza: Branza, or white cheese, is another crucial ingredient in mamaliga cu branza. In Moldova, branza is typically made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and cow's milk. The cheese is often slightly salty and has a crumbly texture, which contrasts well with the smoothness of mamaliga.

Mamaliga cu branza reflects the resourcefulness and practicality of Moldovan cuisine. It's a dish that resonates with the country's agricultural past and its reliance on locally grown ingredients. Moreover, the combination of mamaliga and branza showcases the harmony between dairy and cereal production, which are essential components of Moldovan farming.

While mamaliga cu branza has historical roots, it continues to be a beloved dish in modern Moldovan households and is often served during family gatherings, celebrations, and traditional events. Its simplicity, comforting nature, and connection to cultural heritage make it a cherished part of Moldova's culinary identity.

Moldovan Mamaliga cu Branza

Prep time 10 mins | Cook time 30 mins | Serves 4-5

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal (yellow or white)

• 3 cups water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup crumbled branza (white cheese)

• Sour cream, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mamaliga:

• In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.

• Gradually add the cornmeal to the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

2. Cook the Mamaliga:

• Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring the mixture with a wooden spoon. This is an important step to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

• Keep stirring and cooking for about 15-20 minutes until the mamaliga thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

• Stir in the salt and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the mamaliga reaches a smooth and cohesive consistency.

• Once the mamaliga firms up, transfer to plate by interverting pot, you should here the classic popping sound of the mamaliga releasing from the metal of the pot. If you don't hear this, something went wrong. Probably, you needed to cook more of the water out of it.

3. Add Branza (Cheese) and Jamari (Dried, fried pork belly)

• Crumble the branza (white cheese) over the mamaliga. You can use as much or as little cheese as you prefer.

• Pan fry jamari if you can find it, pork belly itself works fine, or bacon as well.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve Mamaliga cu Branza warm, ideally accompanied by a dollop of sour cream on top along side some scrambled eggs. The combination of creamy cheese, hearty mamaliga, and tangy sour cream is what makes this dish special.

Mamaliga cu branza is often served as a side dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a main course. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste, so feel free to experiment with the cheese-to-mamaliga ratio or even add extra toppings like chopped herbs or sautéed mushrooms if you'd like.

If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!

If you like the flavors of the Balkans you'll also enjoy these recipes from the subcontinent:

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Croatian Pasticada - A hearty meat dish with gnocchi

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Moldovan Mamaliga cu Branza - A thick and rich polenta dish with dried, fried pork

Serbian Karadjordjeva Snicla - A stuffed and rolled schnitzel type dish

Montenegrin Kacamak - A hearty corn flour porridge served with melted butter and cheese

On The Sweeter Side

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