Traditional Romanian Mămăligă (Polenta)

cornmeal

🥗Healthier: quinoa flour

💰Cheaper: polenta

Quinoa flour offers a gluten-free option while maintaining similar texture.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is a healthier fat alternative.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without dairy.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Greek yogurt is lower in calories and adds creaminess.

Bring approximately 4 cups of water to a simmer in a deep cast iron cooking pot.

Add salt to taste (about ½ or 1 full tsp) and 1 tbsp olive oil.

Gradually add the cornmeal, whisking constantly to create a creamy lump free porridge.

Continue to cook, stirring, for 15-20 minutes. Reduce the heat as needed when the polenta starts to boil. If the porridge becomes too thick, stir in up to 1/2 cup more water.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens