Cicvara with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) cornmeal 1 cup (240ml) cornmeal
• 4 cups (960ml) milk 4 cups (960ml) milk
• 4 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), for garnish Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 12g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 15-20 minutes or until the porridge thickens.
4. 4.
   Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
5. 5.
   Season with salt to taste.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let the porridge rest for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Serve the Cicvara hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smooth texture in the porridge.
• Milk — Whole milk is recommended for a rich and creamy result.
• Butter — Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Parmesan cheese — Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Fresh herbs — Choose your favorite herbs to garnish the dish, such as parsley or chives.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the porridge.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish.
• Serve Cicvara with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
• Leftover Cicvara can be reheated on the stovetop with a little extra milk to restore its creamy consistency.
• If you prefer a thinner porridge, you can adjust the amount of cornmeal and milk according to your preference.

Serving advice

Serve the Cicvara hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh herbs. It pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or a side of pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a little melted butter on top of the Cicvara and sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a touch of richness and visual appeal to the dish.