Mamaliga (Romanian Polenta)
Mamaliga is a traditional Romanian cornmeal porridge, naturally vegan and gluten-free. This simple version is creamy and comforting, perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 25 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 253 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 1,000 mlwater
- 250 gcornmeal, fine or medium ground
- 1 tspsalt
optional garnish
- 15 gvegan butter(optional)
Equipment
wooden spoon · whisk · heavy-bottomed pot
The method
Step by step
- 1
Bring the water and salt to a rolling boil in a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Using a heavy-bottomed pot helps prevent sticking and scorching.
- 2
Once boiling, slowly pour in the cornmeal in a thin stream, continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Pouring slowly and whisking vigorously is key to a smooth mamaliga.
- 3
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: The mamaliga is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the pot and is thick and creamy.
- 4
If desired, stir in the vegan butter until melted and fully incorporated.
About 1 min
- 5
Serve hot as a side dish or a base for other meals.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 253.1kcal
- Protein
- 5.1g
- Carbs
- 48.1g
- Fat
- 5.3g
- Fibre
- 4.4g
- Sugar
- 0.4g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover mamaliga in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a pot with a splash of water or plant milk, stirring until smooth.
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