Ribel
Ribel is a traditional Liechtensteiner dish made from cornmeal, water, and salt, then toasted in butter until crumbly. It's a simple, hearty, and versatile dish that originated as a staple for farming families and has become a valued culinary specialty. Ribel is often served with sweet accompaniments like applesauce or fruit compote, or savory options such as sour cheese.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Coarse cornmeal
- 2 cups Water
- 2 cups Milk
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter, divided
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Combine liquids and salt: In a deep frying pan or cast iron pan, combine 1/3 water, 2/3 milk, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. Bring the mixture to a light boil.
- 2
Add cornmeal: Gradually pour in the coarse cornmeal while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Stir everything together until well combined.
- 3
Simmer: Remove the pan from direct heat, cover it, and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes next to the stove.
- 4
Toast the Ribel: Form a well in the center of the cornmeal mixture and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toast the Ribel in the same pan, stirring and breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon, until it is golden brown and has a crispy, crumbly texture.
- 5
Serve: Serve the Ribel warm. It is traditionally served with applesauce, fruit compote, coffee with milk, or sour cheese.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a mix of milk and water adds richness while keeping it from being too heavy.
- ✓Toast the Ribel until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- ✓Ensure constant stirring during the toasting phase to prevent burning.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes suggest using half cornmeal and half wheat semolina for a different texture.
- A pinch of sugar can be added to the cornmeal mixture for a slightly sweeter flavor.