Sweet Malai

Sweet Polenta - A Delicacy Easy to Prepare

Sweet polenta is a traditional recipe that combines the smooth texture of cheese with the moderate sweetness of sugar, resulting in a dessert that is as simple as it is delicious. This recipe is perfect for moments when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Additionally, it is an excellent choice to be served alongside aromatic tea or good coffee. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 30-40 minutes
- Total time: 55-65 minutes
- Number of servings: 8

Ingredients
- 250 g soft cow cheese or spreadable cheese
- 7 tablespoons sugar (if you prefer a less sweet taste, reduce to 5 tablespoons)
- 4 large eggs
- 3 yogurts of 170 ml (you can use plain or Greek yogurt)
- 5 tablespoons sifted corn flour (we recommend the Nicoletti brand from Italy for an authentic taste)
- 4 tablespoons white flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Necessary Utensils
- A deep bowl for mixing the ingredients
- Another bowl for combining the flours
- A spatula or whisk
- A Pyrex dish or baking tray
- Oil or butter for greasing

Step by Step

Step 1: Preheating the Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This is an essential step, as a well-heated oven will help achieve the perfect texture.

Step 2: Mixing the Whipped Ingredients
In a deep bowl, beat the four eggs with the 7 tablespoons of sugar. Use a whisk or a mixer on low speed until you achieve a light foam. This will add air to your dessert, ensuring that the sweet polenta will be slightly fluffy.

Step 3: Adding Cheese and Yogurt
Add the soft cheese and yogurts to the egg mixture. Mix well until everything becomes homogeneous. The vanilla extract can now be added to give a pleasant aroma to the dish.

Step 4: Combining the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the corn flour with the white flour and baking powder. This step is important to ensure that the dry ingredients combine well and do not form lumps. Gradually add this mixture to the liquids in the previous bowl. Use a spatula to mix, being careful not to leave lumps.

Step 5: Pouring the Mixture into the Tray
Grease a Pyrex dish or baking tray with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking. Pour the obtained mixture, which should have a consistency similar to thick cream, into the prepared tray. Smooth the surface with the spatula.

Step 6: Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Once the sweet polenta is ready, let it cool slightly in the tray, then you can cut it into servings. Serve it warm, alongside sour cream or yogurt, for a contrast of textures and flavors. You can also add fresh fruits or a fruit sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Useful Tips
- Dairy-Free Option: If you want to prepare a dairy-free version, you can replace the cheese with a soy product and the yogurt with a plant-based one.
- Sweetness: Play with the amount of sugar! You can adapt the recipe according to your tastes or those of your loved ones.
- Storage: Sweet polenta can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a few days. You can reheat it in the microwave or toaster to restore its warm and pleasant texture.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe contains protein from eggs and cheese, as well as probiotics from yogurt, which are beneficial for digestion. Corn flour provides complex carbohydrates, offering long-lasting energy.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can sweet polenta be frozen? Yes, it can be frozen, but it is recommended to portion it before putting it in the freezer. When you want to consume it, let it thaw in the refrigerator.
- Can I add additional flavors? Absolutely! You can experiment with flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest.

Delicious Pairings
Sweet polenta pairs perfectly with aromatic coffee or fruit tea, but you can also try serving it with a sweet or sparkling wine for a special occasion.

Conclusion
Sweet polenta is a dessert that will surely impress with its simplicity, as well as its delicious taste. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, it is an excellent choice that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, don’t hesitate! Put on your apron and enjoy the magic of cooking!

 Ingredients: 250 g soft cow cheese or spreadable 7 tablespoons sugar for those who prefer it less sweet reduce by 1-2 tablespoons 4 large eggs 3 yogurts of 170 ml 5 tablespoons sifted corn flour - I use Nicoletti flour from Italy 4 tablespoons white flour 1 baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla essence