Moldavian Cornmeal Mush (Mamaliga)

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

3-1/2 cups water

Salt, to taste

1 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal

5 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into bits

8 tbsp. (1 stick each) unsalted butter, melted, for serving

Cooking Instructions:

Combine the water and salt in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of the cornmeal in a steady stream and whisk until the water returns to boiling. Gradually add the rest of the cornmeal, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture, covered, until thickened and cooked through, 10 minutes. Add in the butter, a piece at a time, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan, about 5 minutes more. Transfer the mamaliga to a medium size oval bowl and flatten the surface with a wet spoon. Let stand for 5 minutes. Invert the mamaliga onto a plate and sprinkle with the melted butter.

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