Polenta with Cheese and Bacon

To prepare a delicious polenta with clisă, we start by boiling water in a large container, preferably a pot with a thick bottom, which helps evenly distribute the heat. It is important to add a generous amount of salt to the water so that the polenta has a pleasant and well-defined taste. Once the water reaches boiling point, we begin to add the cornmeal, but not just any way! It is essential to sprinkle it in while continuously stirring with a wooden spoon or a whisk. This step is crucial to avoid the formation of lumps that could compromise the final texture of the dish. After incorporating all the cornmeal, we let the polenta simmer on low heat, stirring constantly for about 15 minutes. We must be careful not to burn ourselves, as the polenta can splatter.

Meanwhile, we take care of the clisă. If we have smoked bacon at hand, it can add a special flavor and an intense taste to the dish. We cut the clisă into small cubes and fry it in a pan with a little oil or lard until it becomes crispy and golden. This will add a pleasant contrast of textures to the polenta.

In a heat-resistant dish, we put a few tablespoons of lard, followed by the fried clisă. Then we pour a layer of hot polenta, followed by a generous layer of grated cheese. It is recommended to use burduf cheese or telemea cheese for an authentic taste. We sprinkle a little salt, then add polenta again. We continue to build layers alternating between polenta, cheese, and clisă, making sure the last layer is polenta, which we sprinkle again with grated cheese.

After arranging all the layers, we put the dish in the oven for a few minutes at a medium temperature so that the cheese on top melts and becomes golden. If we want a quicker version, we can use the microwave, where the dish will heat up in just a few minutes.

We serve the hot polenta alongside a portion of sour cream, which will add creaminess and a special taste. Personally, I enjoy savoring the polenta with a glass of fresh milk, which perfectly complements this tasty dish. Enjoy your meal!