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Side Dish

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
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VeganVegetarianGluten-free
Mamaliga (Romanian Polenta)

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

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. 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. 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. 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. 4

    If desired, stir in the vegan butter until melted and fully incorporated.

    About 1 min

  5. 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

Storage

Store leftover mamaliga in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pot with a splash of water or plant milk, stirring until smooth.

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