Polenta with sheep cheese and eggs

Mămăliguță with sheep cheese and eggs – a traditional recipe full of flavor

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Mămăliguță is an emblematic dish in our cuisine, often considered a symbol of comfort and tradition. This recipe combines the creamy texture of mămăligă with the intense flavors of sheep cheese and the freshness of boiled eggs, creating a delicacy that can be served both warm and cold. It is an excellent choice for a family lunch or a relaxed dinner, but it can also be an interesting appetizer for a festive meal.

Essential ingredients
- 200-250 g butter (choose high-quality butter for a richer taste)
- 300 g cornmeal (preferably high-quality cornmeal for a fine texture)
- 300 g sheep cheese (well-aged for an intense flavor)
- 3 eggs (boiled)
- 2 eggs (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon of milk (to make the egg mixture creamier)
- salt (to taste)
- fresh parsley (for a touch of freshness)

Step by step in preparing mămăliguță with sheep cheese and eggs

1. Preparing the mămăligă
Start by bringing 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to flavor the mămăligă. When the water starts to boil, gradually add the cornmeal, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spatula to avoid lumps. Cook the mămăligă over low heat, stirring periodically, for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens and pulls away from the pot's sides.

2. Boiling the eggs
In another pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. When the water is boiling, add the 3 eggs and let them boil for 8-10 minutes to achieve hard-boiled eggs. Once ready, remove them from the water and let them cool. Once cooled, peel them and slice them into rounds.

3. Assembling the dish
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a heat-resistant dish, grease the bottom and sides with butter to prevent sticking. Add a layer of mămăligă, then generously sprinkle the grated sheep cheese. Place the egg rounds on top and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley for added freshness.

4. Finishing the mămăligă
Add another layer of mămăligă on top of the eggs. In a separate bowl, beat the 2 eggs with a tablespoon of milk and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture evenly over the mămăligă. Grate the remaining sheep cheese and sprinkle it on top.

5. Baking
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the surface becomes golden and slightly crispy. The aroma emanating from the oven during this time will surely stimulate your appetite!

6. Serving
Once the mămăliguță is ready, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice it. You can serve it warm or cold, and for an extra touch of flavor, add a few fresh parsley leaves on top. It is delicious alongside a green salad or a garlic yogurt sauce.

Practical tips and variations
- Sheep cheese: If you can't find sheep cheese, you can use feta or goat cheese for a different taste.
- Mămăligă: If you prefer a softer mămăligă, you can add a bit more water while boiling. You can also experiment with whole cornmeal for a more rustic texture and flavor.
- Eggs: If you like eggs with softer yolks, you can opt for medium-boiled eggs to add a touch of creaminess to the dish.
- Serving: Mămăliguță with sheep cheese and eggs pairs excellently with a glass of white wine or freshly squeezed tomato juice.

Nutritional benefits
Mămăliguță is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy throughout the day. Sheep cheese adds protein and calcium necessary for healthy bones, and eggs are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins A and D. Thus, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Absolutely! Sheep cheese is traditional, but you can experiment with cheeses you like, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a different taste.

2. How can I store mămăliguță?
Mămăliguță stores well in the refrigerator, sealed in an airtight container, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. What side dish pairs best?
A green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, is a perfect choice to balance the rich taste of mămăliguță.

I hope this recipe for mămăliguță with sheep cheese and eggs brings you joy and comfort on your plate! Enjoy your meal!