Discover how to make Mămăligă, a classic Romanian cornmeal porridge that’s a staple in traditional cuisine. This easy-to-follow recipe teaches you how to prepare this comforting dish, often enjoyed with cheese, sour cream, or your favorite meat. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner, Mămăligă is a versatile and delicious addition to your recipe collection. 

Ingredients:

- 1 cup cornmeal

- 4 cups water

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons butter

- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cooked meat (e.g., sausage, bacon)

Instructions:

Boil Water: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.

Add Cornmeal: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of cornmeal to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.

Cook the Mixture: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Cook the cornmeal mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes. The porridge will thicken and pull away from the sides of the pot.

Add Butter: Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and well combined.

Serve: Spoon the Mămăligă onto plates or into bowls. Top with your choice of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or cooked meat.

Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this traditional Romanian dish as a comforting meal or side.

Feel free to adjust the toppings according to your preference and enjoy this delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal!

Nutritional Values:

Cornmeal

 - Calories: 130

 - Protein: 2.5 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 31 grams

 - Fiber: 2 grams

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

Benefits:

 - Rich in carbohydrates, providing a good source of energy.

 - High in fiber, promoting digestive health and helping maintain a healthy weight.

 - Contains essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, which support bone health and overall bodily functions.

Water

 - Water does not contain calories, fats, proteins, or carbohydrates.

Benefits:

 - Essential for maintaining fluid balance and overall hydration.

 - Supports metabolism, digestion, and nutrient absorption.

Salt

 - Sodium: 2,300 mg

Benefits:

 - Helps maintain proper fluid balance and nerve function as an electrolyte.

 - Enhances flavor, improving the taste of the dish.

Butter

 - Calories: 102

 - Fat: 11.5 grams

 - Saturated Fat: 7.2 grams

 - Cholesterol: 31 mg

Benefits:

 - Rich in fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, which support various bodily functions.

 - Adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.

Optional Toppings

Shredded Cheese:

  - Calories: 114

  - Protein: 7 grams

  - Fat: 9 grams

  - Calcium: 200 mg

Benefits:

  - Provides protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle function.

Sour Cream:

  - Calories: 60

  - Protein: 1 gram

  - Fat: 5 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 2 grams

Benefits:

  - Contains probiotics, supporting digestive health.

  - Contributes to calcium and protein intake, aiding bone health and muscle maintenance.

Cooked Meat (e.g., Sausage, Bacon):

Sausage (per 2 ounces):

   - Calories: 160

   - Protein: 10 grams

   - Fat: 14 grams

Bacon (per 2 slices):

   - Calories: 80

   - Protein: 6 grams

   - Fat: 7 grams

Benefits:

  - Provides protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

  - Contributes iron and other minerals to overall health.

These ingredients come together to make Mămăligă a hearty and nutritious dish, offering energy, essential vitamins and minerals, and beneficial fats.