Polenta with everything baked

Polenta with everything baked – a traditional Romanian recipe, full of flavor and comfort, perfect for cool evenings or to bring a touch of nostalgia on busy days. This dish is not only delicious but also very versatile, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients for a personalized taste. Here’s how to prepare baked polenta with everything, step by step.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 400 g cornmeal
- 1.5 l water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 200 g sheep cheese (or feta cheese for a lighter taste)
- 200 g sour cream
- 200 g fatty and creamy sheep cheese
- 3 eggs
- 200 ml milk or full-fat yogurt
- 100 g grated cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the polenta: Start by putting the water in a large pot, adding the salt. Heat the water over medium heat, being careful not to let it boil too hard. When the water starts to boil, add the cornmeal in a rain-like fashion, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to prevent lumps from forming. If you prefer, you can add the cornmeal beforehand, but make sure to mix well. Cook the polenta over low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes creamy.

2. Preparing the mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the eggs with the milk (or yogurt) and sour cream. Add the crumbled sheep cheese and the fatty and creamy sheep cheese. For a more intense flavor, you can choose goat cheese or a mix of cheeses.

3. Assembling the polenta: Once the polenta is cooked, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, fold the cheese and egg mixture into the polenta, mixing well to achieve a uniform composition. If desired, you can add grated cheese for extra flavor.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with butter or oil and pour in the polenta mixture. Smooth the surface well with a spatula. Bake the polenta in the oven for 30 minutes or until a golden crust forms on top.

5. Serving: Once the polenta is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into portions. Serve it warm, alongside sour cream, and if you like, you can add a fresh tomato salad or pickles for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips:
- If you want a creamier polenta, you can replace part of the water with milk.
- For a more exotic taste, experiment with adding herbs like dill or thyme.
- You can add roasted vegetables or mushrooms to the polenta mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

This baked polenta recipe with everything is an excellent choice for a comforting and delicious dinner. Enjoy every serving and savor the authentic taste of Romanian tradition!

 Ingredients: 400 g cornmeal, 1.5 l water, salt, sheep's milk cheese, sour cream, fatty and greasy sheep cheese, eggs, milk or fatty yogurt, cheese.