Moldovan Alivanca

Delicious Moldovan Alivanca Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Alivanca is a traditional Moldovan dessert, a fluffy and aromatic cake that pays tribute to the authentic flavors of our cuisine. This simple recipe will help you prepare a quick dessert, perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make a delicious alivanca.

Ingredients:

- 225 g cornmeal
- 900 ml milk
- 300 g sour cream
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 125 g sugar
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preparing the cornmeal: In a large pot, bring 900 ml of milk to a boil. When the milk starts to boil, gradually add the cornmeal, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring over low heat for about 5-7 minutes, until you achieve a homogeneous and slightly thicker mixture. Turn off the heat and let it cool.

2. Making the cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese with 50 g of sugar, the eggs, and the vanilla sugar. Use a mixer or a fork to beat the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous paste. It is important that the cheese is well crushed to avoid large chunks in the mixture.

3. Mixing the ingredients: When the cornmeal has cooled slightly, add the sour cream and melted butter, then mix well. Incorporate the cottage cheese mixture into the cornmeal mixture and gently mix until everything is well combined.

4. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a suitable baking dish (about 30x20 cm) with butter and sprinkle a pinch of flour or use baking paper. Pour the mixture into the dish, leveling the surface with a spatula.

5. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the surface becomes golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Serving: Let the alivanca cool slightly in the dish before cutting it into servings. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a drizzle of sour cream on top for added flavor. You can also add fresh fruits or jam for a fruity touch.

Practical tips:

- If you want a sweeter alivanca, you can add more sugar to the mixture or sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving.
- You can replace the cottage cheese with ricotta for a different flavor and texture.
- This recipe can also be adapted for a budget-friendly version, using plant-based milk (almond, soy) and vegan butter.

Moldovan alivanca is not just a tasty dessert, but also a beautiful reminder of our culinary traditions. Prepare it with love and enjoy every bite!