Moldovan Mămăligă with Mushrooms and Sour Cream
A comforting and rustic dish featuring creamy mămăligă (cornmeal porridge) served with sautéed mushrooms and a generous dollop of rich sour cream. This is a staple in Moldovan households, often enjoyed as a side or a light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Cornmeal (medium grind)
- 800 ml Water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 400 g Mushrooms (e.g., champignons or forest mushrooms), sliced
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 200 g Sour cream (smântână)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the mămăligă: In a large saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for about 20-25 minutes, or until thick and creamy. Stir in the butter until melted.
💡 Tip: Stirring constantly is key to achieving a smooth, lump-free mămăligă. - 2
While the mămăligă is cooking, prepare the mushroom topping. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: Using a good quality butter enhances the flavor of the mushrooms. - 3
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook mushrooms in batches if necessary to ensure they brown properly. - 4
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
💡 Tip: Add garlic towards the end to prevent it from burning. - 5
To serve, spoon a generous portion of hot mămăligă onto plates. Top with the sautéed mushroom mixture and a dollop of sour cream.
💡 Tip: Mămăligă is best served immediately while hot and creamy.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a firmer mămăligă, use less water or cook for a longer time.
- ✓You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the mushroom mixture for extra warmth.
- ✓If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, but add it earlier in the cooking process.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add crumbled fried bacon or pancetta to the mushroom topping.
- Serve with a side of brânză de burduf (Moldovan sheep cheese) for an authentic taste.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine to the mushrooms while sautéing.