Cum sa faci mamaliga

Cum sa faci mamaliga is a easy Romanian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Barbosu on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 1 hr 7 min | Total: 1 hr 32 min

Cost: $52.50 total, $13.13 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 liter Water (filtered or tap water, room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (regular table salt or kosher salt)
  • 170 grams Cornmeal (Mălai) (Hora brand, porumb sticlos (stone‑ground), fine texture, high fiber)
  • 100 grams Brânză de Burduf (soft sheep's‑milk cheese, crumble before serving)
  • 100 grams Smântână (Sour Cream) (full‑fat Romanian sour cream)

Instructions

  1. Boil Water with Salt

    Pour 1 liter of water into the large pot, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  2. Add Cornmeal Gradually

    When the water is boiling, reduce the heat slightly and sprinkle the 170 g of Hora cornmeal in a thin, steady stream while whisking constantly with the wooden spoon to avoid lumps.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 90‑95°C

  3. Cook the Polenta

    Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and continue stirring continuously for 45‑60 minutes. The mixture will thicken, pull away from the sides of the pot, and develop a smooth, creamy texture.

    Time: PT55M

    Temperature: 90°C

  4. Rest the Polenta

    Turn off the heat and let the mămăligă sit undisturbed for about 3 minutes so it can firm up slightly.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Serve with Cheese and Sour Cream

    Spoon portions onto plates, crumble brânză de burduf over the top, and add a dollop of smântână. Serve immediately while hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Corn, Milk

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Cum sa faci mamaliga

Recipe by Barbosu

A step‑by‑step guide to making authentic Romanian mămăligă (polenta) using high‑quality Hora cornmeal, served hot with creamy brânză de burduf and sour cream. Follow the video’s tips for a perfectly smooth, buttery‑textured polenta that pulls away from the pot walls.

EasyRomanianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
1h 2m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 17m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$52.50
Total cost
$13.13
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Add cornmeal gradually while whisking to avoid lumps
  • Cook the polenta for a full 45‑60 minutes with constant stirring
  • Let the polenta rest 3 minutes without stirring before serving

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water and boiling liquid can cause severe burns – handle the pot with oven mitts
  • Stirring vigorously prevents the cornmeal from splattering
  • Use a stable stovetop surface to avoid tipping the pot

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Traditional Romanian Polenta (Mămăligă) in Romanian cuisine?

A

Mămăligă is Romania’s staple comfort food, historically eaten by peasants as a cheap, filling alternative to bread. Made from stone‑ground corn (porumb sticlos), it symbolizes rural heritage and is often served with brânză de burduf and smântână during family meals and festivals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Mămăligă in Romanian cuisine?

A

In Transylvania, mămăligă is often layered with cheese and baked, while in Moldavia it is served soft with pork cracklings (cârnaţi). In the Maramureș region, it may be topped with fried eggs and butter. The basic preparation stays the same, but toppings reflect local tastes.

cultural
Q

How is Traditional Romanian Polenta (Mămăligă) traditionally served in Romania?

A

It is typically spooned onto a wooden board or plate, topped with crumbled brânză de burduf, a generous dollop of smântână, and sometimes a drizzle of melted butter. It can accompany stews, grilled meats, or be eaten on its own as a hearty dish.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Mămăligă traditionally associated in Romanian culture?

A

Mămăligă appears at rural weddings, harvest festivals (recolta), and Christmas Eve (Ajunul Crăciunului) meals. It is also a comfort food during cold winter evenings and is served at school canteens across the country.

cultural
Q

What makes Mămăligă special or unique in Romanian cuisine compared to other corn‑based porridges?

A

Romanian mămăligă uses stone‑ground porumb sticlos cornmeal, which retains more fiber and a distinct, slightly nutty flavor. The long, slow cooking method (45‑60 minutes) creates a creamy texture that sets firm enough to slice yet stays tender, unlike quicker instant polentas.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Mămăligă versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients are stone‑ground porumb sticlos cornmeal, water, and a pinch of salt. Acceptable substitutes include any fine cornmeal if Hora is unavailable, and for the topping, feta or ricotta can replace brânză de burduf, while Greek yogurt can stand in for smântână.

cultural
Q

What other Romanian dishes pair well with Traditional Romanian Polenta (Mămăligă)?

A

Mămăligă pairs beautifully with sarmale (cabbage rolls), tochitură (pork stew), ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup), and grilled sausages. The creamy base balances rich, spiced meats and tangy soups.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Traditional Romanian Polenta (Mămăligă)?

A

Common errors include adding all the cornmeal at once, which creates lumps, and cooking it on high heat, which burns the bottom. Also, stopping stirring too early prevents the polenta from reaching the smooth, pull‑away texture.

technical
Q

Why does this Mămăligă recipe use a low simmer for 45‑60 minutes instead of a quick‑cook method?

A

The low simmer allows the cornmeal to fully hydrate and release its starches, creating the characteristic creamy yet firm texture. A quick‑cook method leaves a gritty, undercooked interior and prevents the polenta from pulling away from the pot walls.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Barbosu specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Barbosu focuses on traditional Romanian home cooking, sharing step‑by‑step tutorials of classic dishes, tips for sourcing authentic ingredients, and preserving culinary heritage for modern home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Barbosu's approach to Romanian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Barbosu emphasizes cultural storytelling, uses locally sourced Romanian products like Hora cornmeal, and demonstrates old‑world techniques such as long, low‑heat simmering. Unlike many fast‑food style channels, Barbosu values patience and authenticity over shortcuts.

channel

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