Discover the rich, comforting taste of Mămăligă, a traditional Romanian cornmeal porridge that's similar to polenta. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making this versatile dish, perfect as a side or main course. Enjoy a warm bowl of Mămăligă with your favorite toppings or pair it with savory meats and vegetables for a hearty meal.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup cornmeal

- 4 cups water

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)

- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Boil Water: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add salt to the boiling water.

Add Cornmeal: Gradually whisk in the cornmeal to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low.

Cook: Stir continuously as the cornmeal cooks. Continue to cook for about 20-25 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.

Finish: Stir in butter and cheese, if using. Mix until the butter is melted and the cheese is fully incorporated.

Serve: Transfer the Mămăligă to a serving dish. You can serve it warm, topped with additional cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.

6. Enjoy: Mămăligă can be enjoyed as a side dish with meats, a base for stews, or even allowed to cool and slice into pieces for grilling or frying.

Nutritional Values:

Cornmeal (1 cup)

  - Calories: Approximately 440

  - Carbohydrates: 94g

  - Protein: 9g

  - Fat: 2.2g

  - Fiber: 8.5g

Benefits:

  - Rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

  - Contains essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, supporting overall health.

Water (4 cups)

  - Calories: 0

Benefits:

  - Hydrates and helps cook the cornmeal to a soft, creamy texture.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

  - Sodium: Approximately 2,300mg

Benefits:

  - Enhances the flavor of the dish. Use in moderation, especially if watching sodium intake.

Butter (2 tablespoons, optional)

  - Calories: Approximately 200

  - Fat: 22g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds richness and flavor to the dish.

  - Provides fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and healthy fats.

Grated Cheese (1/2 cup, optional)

  - Calories: Approximately 200 (varies by type of cheese)

  - Protein: 12g

  - Fat: 16g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Calcium: 200mg

Benefits:

  - Provides protein and calcium, supporting bone health.

  - Adds a creamy texture and enhances flavor.

This cornmeal-based dish can serve as a comforting, nutritious base that can be enjoyed on its own or with various toppings and sides.