Rustic polenta with pepper sauce

Peasant Balmoș with Pepper Sauce: A Nostalgic Delight

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Peasant balmoș is a traditional dish that evokes memories of family meals, where the joy of sharing food was as important as its taste. This simple yet flavorful dish is a perfect example of how basic ingredients can be transformed into true culinary delights. It is usually served with fried eggs and pepper sauce, but can be customized according to individual preferences.

Required ingredients:
- 500 ml water
- 200 g cornmeal
- 250 g salty sheep cheese (or telemea cheese)
- 2 tablespoons of margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 1-2 eggs (depending on preferences)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper sauce with mushrooms (optional, but recommended)

Ingredient details:
Cornmeal is key to achieving the perfect polenta. Make sure to use good quality flour, ideally finely ground. Salty sheep cheese adds an intense and creamy flavor, but you can also experiment with telemea cheese if you prefer a less salty taste.

Step by step: Preparing the Balmoș:

1. Boil the water: In a medium pot, add 500 ml of water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.

2. Add the cornmeal: When the water starts to boil, gradually add 200 g of cornmeal, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps from forming. It is important to stir constantly so that the flour integrates evenly into the water.

3. Form the polenta: Continue adding flour until the polenta becomes soft and easy to stir. If you prefer a less firm consistency, you can add a little more water.

4. Incorporate the cheese and margarine: Once you have a homogeneous polenta, add the 2 tablespoons of margarine and 250 g of salty sheep cheese, cut into cubes. Mix everything well, allowing the cheese to melt slightly into the mixture. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the balmoș becomes creamy and well combined.

5. Preparing the eggs: In a separate pan, add a little oil or butter and fry the eggs sunny side up, according to your preferences (boiled, soft, or with a well-cooked yolk).

6. Serving: Divide the balmoș into plates, add the fried eggs on top, and if desired, pour the pepper sauce with mushrooms over it. A wonderful idea is to grate a little cheese on top for extra flavor.

Pepper sauce with mushrooms:
To prepare the sauce, you can use roasted (or fresh) peppers and mushrooms, sautéed together with onions and spices. This will add a delicious contrast and a note of freshness to the balmoș.

Useful tips:
- Variations: You can add herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the flavors. Additionally, a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt can make the dish even creamier.
- Pairings: This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine or a pale beer, but also with a warm tea if you prefer something more comforting.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of balmoș has about 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and eggs used. This dish is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and calcium, making it an excellent source of energy.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as cottage cheese or feta, but the taste will vary.
- Can balmoș be prepared in advance? It is recommended to be served fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the fridge and reheat them the next day.
- How spicy can the pepper sauce be? It depends on your preferences! You can add chili peppers or paprika to enhance the flavor intensity.

A personal note: Memories associated with peasant balmoș are often tied to family meals. Each bite takes you back in time to moments of joy and conviviality. I recommend preparing it alongside your loved ones to create unforgettable memories.

Enjoy your peasant balmoș, it is a true feast of flavors and tradition!