Cornbread with sheep cheese and telemea, fried eggs, and sausages

Polenta with cheese, fried eggs, and sausages

When it comes to traditional dishes, polenta is undoubtedly a symbol of Romanian cuisine, bringing together rich flavors and simple yet flavorful ingredients. This recipe for polenta with cheese, complemented by fried eggs and sausages, is a perfect choice for a hearty family meal or a gathering with friends.

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

Ingredients:
- 500 g cornmeal
- 500 g burduf cheese
- 250 g telemea cheese
- 4 eggs
- 2 mildly spicy sausages
- 3 mici (or other types of sausages, as preferred)
- 2/3 pack of butter (about 150 g)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the polenta: In a large pot, bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and gradually incorporate the cornmeal. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the polenta for 15-20 minutes until it reaches a soft but stable consistency.

2. Preparing the cheeses: In a bowl, mix the burduf cheese with the telemea cheese. It is important for the burduf cheese to be well crumbled to blend evenly into the mixture. This combination will add an intense flavor to your polenta.

3. Frying the sausages and mici: In a pan, add the sausages and mici. Cook them over medium heat until they are golden and crispy. Once fried, chop them finely and set aside.

4. Preparing the eggs: In the same pan, add a little oil if necessary and fry the eggs. If desired, you can cook them with a softer or firmer yolk, depending on your preferences.

5. Assembling the polenta: Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Add 1/3 of the polenta to the dish, then layer with cheese (the mixture of burduf and telemea). Continue with another 1/3 of the polenta, and on top, add the chopped sausages and mici. Place the fried eggs on top and cover everything with the remaining polenta.

6. Finalizing the dish: Grease the top with the remaining butter and use a fork to make small holes in the polenta so that the butter seeps inside. This step is essential for achieving a creamy texture and delicious flavor.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish inside. Bake for 15 minutes until the polenta turns golden and slightly crispy on top.

8. Serving: Allow the polenta to cool slightly before cutting. Serve warm, alongside sour cream, for an extra burst of flavor. This dish pairs perfectly with a green salad or pickles, bringing a pleasant contrast between the intense flavors of the cheeses and the freshness of the vegetables.

Practical tips:
- Use high-quality burduf cheese, preferably from a trusted source, to achieve an authentic taste.
- If you want to make the polenta even more special, add some herbs like dill or parsley to the cheese mixture.
- You can use different sausages based on your preferences, or even exclude meat for a vegetarian version.

Nutritional benefits:
This dish is rich in protein due to the eggs and cheeses, while the polenta provides complex carbohydrates essential for energy. Additionally, burduf cheese contains calcium, which is important for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, experiment with different cheeses like feta or mozzarella for a different flavor.

2. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
No, as it contains dairy and eggs. However, you can adapt the recipe using plant-based alternatives.

3. How can I make the polenta spicier?
Add some chili flakes to the cheese mixture or use spicier sausages.

4. What other dishes can I serve alongside polenta?
Polenta pairs excellently with a tripe soup or a cabbage salad.

This polenta with burduf and telemea cheese is a delicious recipe that will not only satisfy your hunger but also bring unforgettable moments with loved ones. So, don’t wait any longer! Prepare this tasty dish and enjoy its enticing flavors.