Be quiet and swallow
Traditional food is often what brings us the most beautiful childhood memories, and the recipe I will share today is a perfect example of culinary comfort. It is a simple yet extremely tasty delight, based on polenta and cheeses, that will delight our taste buds and bring us closer to the gastronomic traditions of our ancestors. This recipe is quick and easy to make, with few but quality ingredients, and will surely be appreciated by the whole family. Let's get to work!
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ cups cornmeal
- Salt to taste
- 100 g butter (50 g for polenta, 50 g for putting on eggs)
- 150 g sheep cheese
- 150 g cottage cheese
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 4 eggs
- For serving: sour cream
Preparing the polenta:
1. Start by placing a pot over medium heat. Add the 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of water, along with a pinch of salt. It is essential to use quality milk, as it will give the polenta a special creaminess and flavor.
2. When the mixture begins to boil, add 50 g of butter and mix well to incorporate it. The butter will not only enhance the flavor but will also make the polenta fluffier.
3. Once the butter has melted, add 1 ½ cups of cornmeal, pouring it in a rain-like fashion while constantly stirring with a whisk. This technique is important to avoid lumps. Continue stirring while the polenta cooks. You will notice it thickening and becoming creamy.
4. Cook the polenta for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. It is essential to be patient, as well-cooked polenta is the key to the success of this recipe.
Preparing the cheese mixture:
5. In a bowl, combine the sheep cheese and cottage cheese, mashing them with a fork. These cheeses are key to the savory flavor of the dish, so choose quality varieties.
6. Add the remaining 50 g of soft butter and 3 tablespoons of sour cream. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Taste the mixture and add salt if necessary. It is important to balance the flavors, so do not hesitate to adjust the seasonings.
Assembling and baking:
7. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Take a heat-resistant dish and grease it with a little butter to prevent sticking.
8. Add half of the cooked polenta to the dish, leveling it evenly. Then, add the cheese mixture, distributing it evenly. This will be the layer that adds extra flavor to the dish.
9. Cover with the remaining polenta and level it again. Using a teaspoon dipped in cold water, make indentations in the polenta where you will crack the eggs.
10. Place a small piece of butter and a little salt over each egg. This step will add a wonderful flavor to the eggs during baking.
11. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. If you prefer softer eggs, you can check their consistency after 12 minutes.
Serving:
12. After the dish is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before removing it from the dish. This will help maintain its shape, and the polenta will not scatter.
13. Serve with a generous portion of sour cream on the side. The sour cream will add a pleasant contrast of creaminess and balance the intense flavors of the cheese.
Useful tips:
- If you want the dish to look nice, let it cool a bit before portioning. This way, the polenta will firm up and be easier to cut.
- You can also add slices of smoked bacon, fried sausages, or even ham between the layers for an even richer taste.
- Another trick is to add fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, to the cheese mixture to give it an extra flavor.
Customized version:
If you want to give the dish a unique touch, you can experiment with different types of cheese. For example, feta cheese or goat cheese can add an interesting flavor.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use water instead of milk? Yes, but the dish will have a less rich flavor.
- What can I do if I run out of eggs? You can omit the eggs and serve the polenta with cheese and sour cream; it will be just as delicious.
- How can I store the polenta? You can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat it before serving.
This dish is not just a simple meal, but also a journey into childhood memories, a symbol of hospitality and culinary tradition. I invite you to prepare it with your loved ones and enjoy the authentic taste of polenta with cheese! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 2 cups of milk 1 cup of water 1 and 1/2 cups of cornmeal salt to taste 100 g butter 150 g sheep cheese 150 g cottage cheese 3 tablespoons sour cream 4 eggs for serving: sour cream
Tags: bulz cream cornmeal mush