Bulz with Cheese and Bacon

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) cornmeal 2 cups (400g) cornmeal
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as Telemea or Feta) 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as Telemea or Feta)
• 8 slices of bacon 8 slices of bacon
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 18g (9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes or until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
4. 4.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Divide the cornmeal mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
7. 7.
   Make a small indentation in the center of each ball and fill it with grated cheese.
8. 8.
   Wrap each ball with a slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks if needed.
9. 9.
   Place the bacon-wrapped bulz on a baking sheet and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Use fine or medium-grind cornmeal for the best texture in the bulz.
• Cheese — Opt for a salty and tangy cheese like Telemea or Feta to complement the cornmeal and bacon.
• Bacon — Choose thick-cut bacon for a meatier and more substantial bulz.
• Black pepper — Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick to the dish, but adjust the amount according to your preference.
• Toothpicks — If the bacon doesn't stay in place, secure it with toothpicks before baking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add more cheese or vegetables as a filling.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Serve the bulz with a dollop of sour cream or a side of pickles for added tanginess.
• Leftover bulz can be reheated in the oven or pan-fried for a crispy exterior.
• If you prefer a softer texture, cook the cornmeal mixture for a shorter time.

Serving advice

Serve the bulz warm as a main dish accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a hearty appetizer or a side dish to complement grilled meats or stews.

Presentation advice

Arrange the bacon-wrapped bulz on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. The golden-brown bacon and melted cheese will make for an enticing visual appeal.