Galuște de Mălai cu Brânză și Smântână (Cornmeal Dumplings with Cheese and Sour Cream)
Soft, tender dumplings made from cornmeal, cheese (usually telemea or feta), and eggs, often served as a side dish or a light main course, topped with generous dollops of sour cream.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Cornmeal(medium grind)
- 500 ml Milk
- 150 g Cheese(telemea or feta, crumbled)
- 2 large Eggs
- 50 g Butter
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 200 g Sour cream(for serving)
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill or parsley(chopped, for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, bring the milk and butter to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal and salt to prevent lumps.
💡 Tip: Whisk constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. - 2
Cook the cornmeal mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a polenta-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: The mixture should be thick but still pourable. - 3
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Gradually add the beaten eggs to the slightly cooled cornmeal mixture, stirring vigorously until well combined.
💡 Tip: Ensure the cornmeal mixture is not too hot, or it will cook the eggs. - 4
Gently fold in the crumbled cheese and chopped dill or parsley (if using).
💡 Tip: Be careful not to overmix once the cheese is added. - 5
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a gentle boil. Using two spoons, form small, oval-shaped dumplings from the cornmeal mixture and carefully drop them into the boiling water.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. - 6
Cook the dumplings for about 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through. They should be firm but tender.
💡 Tip: Taste one dumpling to ensure it's cooked through. - 7
Remove the dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and serve immediately. Top generously with sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley, if desired.
💡 Tip: Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The type of cornmeal used can affect the texture; medium grind is generally preferred.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
- ✓These dumplings can also be pan-fried after boiling for a crispy exterior.
- ✓If the mixture is too stiff to form dumplings, add a tablespoon or two of milk.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cornmeal mixture for a subtle spice.
- Incorporate finely chopped chives into the dumpling batter.
- Serve with a side of tomato sauce or a light mushroom gravy.