Moldovan Tochitura

Moldovan Tochitura: a traditional recipe that combines the passion for cooking with the authentic flavors of Romanian cuisine. This flavorful dish is perfect for cool days, offering not only calories but also an unforgettable culinary experience. With a rich texture and a perfect combination of ingredients, tochitura quickly becomes a favorite for everyone who tastes it. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g pork (ideally, the thigh)
- 200 g pork sausages (choose sausages with a high meat content)
- 3 eggs (fresh, preferably from free-range)
- 200 g crumbled sheep cheese (or cheese, depending on preference)
- 300 g cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 50 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil, depending on preference)

A brief history of tochitura

Moldovan tochitura has its origins in the culinary traditions of the region, where meat dishes have always been held in high esteem. This recipe is a combination of influences, preserving ancient recipes of peasants who, on festive days, gathered their families around the table to enjoy a delicious stew, accompanied by polenta and cheese. Each housewife has her version, but the basic ingredients remain the same, offering an unmistakable flavor.

Preparing the stew

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the pork into cubes of about 3-4 cm. They will fry evenly and become tender.
2. Frying the meat: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the meat cubes and let them fry for 10-15 minutes, turning them periodically until they are golden brown on all sides. This step is essential to seal in the juices of the meat.
3. Adding the sausages: Cut the sausages into rounds and add them to the pan. Continue frying everything on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the sausages become crispy and the flavors blend perfectly.

Preparing the polenta

1. Boiling the water: In a pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor of the polenta.
2. Adding the cornmeal: When the water is boiling, gradually add the cornmeal, continuously stirring with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the polenta becomes thick and no longer sticky (about 15-20 minutes).

Preparing the garlic sauce

1. Preparing the garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and crush them in a mortar or with a garlic press.
2. Mixing: Add a little salt and gradually a few tablespoons of warm water, mixing well to obtain a smooth paste. The garlic sauce can be adjusted according to personal preferences, adding more water for a thinner consistency or more garlic for a stronger taste.

Preparing the eggs

In a small pan, you can fry the eggs in your preferred style - sunny-side up or scrambled. These will add a creamy touch to the dish.

Assembling the plate

1. Serving: On a large plate, place a layer of warm polenta, add the meat and sausage mixture on top, and then place the fried eggs.
2. Finishing: Generously sprinkle the crumbled sheep cheese over the dish and add the garlic sauce on top.
3. Decoration: You can add a few parsley leaves for a fresh and appealing look.

Serving suggestions

Moldovan tochitura is perfectly served with a glass of red wine or a cold beer, which will complement the rich flavors of the dish. If you want to add a touch of freshness, a summer salad with tomatoes and onions can be an excellent accompaniment.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can replace the pork with beef or chicken, or you can add vegetables like peppers or mushrooms to diversify the recipe. Also, for a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and add vegetables and cottage cheese.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use beef or chicken, but the cooking time will vary. Make sure the meat is well cooked.

2. What else can I substitute for sheep cheese?
If you can't find sheep cheese, feta cheese or fresh curd can be excellent alternatives.

3. How much garlic sauce should I use?
Use garlic sauce to taste; you can start with a tablespoon and adjust according to your preferences for garlic.

Nutritional benefits

Moldovan tochitura is rich in protein due to the meat and eggs, providing a good source of energy. The polenta, made from cornmeal, is an excellent source of carbohydrates, and the cheese brings calcium and healthy fats. Consumed in moderation, this dish can be part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Cooking Moldovan tochitura not only allows you to enjoy a delicious dish but also a recipe with a rich story in traditions. This is a meal that brings people together, perfect for family gatherings or to impress friends. So, embrace this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its flavors! Enjoy your meal!