Bulz Ciobanesc
Bulz Ciobanesc is a hearty and rustic Romanian dish, essentially a baked polenta cake often filled with cheese and sometimes sausage or bacon. It's a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a cold day.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Polenta (cornmeal)
- 800 ml Water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 50 g Butter
- 200 g Telemea cheese (salty Romanian cheese)(crumbled)
- 100 g Smoked bacon or sausage(diced (optional))
- 1 large Egg(for binding)
- 100 g Sour cream(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Bring water and salt to a boil in a large pot. Gradually whisk in the polenta to avoid lumps.
💡 Tip: Whisk continuously until the polenta thickens. - 2
Cook the polenta over low heat, stirring frequently, until it pulls away from the sides of the pot (about 20-30 minutes).
- 3
Stir in the butter until melted. Let it cool slightly.
💡 Tip: Cooling slightly makes it easier to handle. - 4
In a separate bowl, mix the crumbled telemea cheese, diced bacon/sausage (if using), and the egg. Combine well.
💡 Tip: Ensure the cheese and meat are evenly distributed. - 5
Grease a baking dish. Spread half of the polenta mixture into the dish. Layer the cheese and meat mixture over the polenta.
💡 Tip: Use a spatula to spread the polenta evenly. - 6
Top with the remaining polenta, spreading it to cover the filling completely.
💡 Tip: Press down gently to seal the filling. - 7
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
💡 Tip: The top should be nicely browned. - 8
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream.
💡 Tip: Allowing it to rest makes it easier to cut.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a good quality, salty telemea cheese for the best flavor.
- ✓If you don't have telemea, a firm, salty feta can be a substitute, but adjust salt accordingly.
- ✓For an extra crispy crust, you can broil the bulz for the last few minutes of baking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of chopped fresh dill or parsley to the cheese mixture.
- Use a mix of cheeses, such as telemea and caș (a fresh Romanian sheep cheese).
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon/sausage and add more cheese or sautéed mushrooms.