Ukrainian Cornmeal Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) cornmeal 2 cups (400g) cornmeal
• 4 cups (946ml) milk 4 cups (946ml) milk
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 10g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. 4.
   Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
5. 5.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter, sugar, salt, and black pepper together.
7. 7.
   Gradually add the egg mixture to the cornmeal mixture, stirring until well combined.
8. 8.
   Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth the top.
9. 9.
   Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Use fine or medium-grind cornmeal for a smoother texture in the casserole.
• Milk — Whole milk is recommended for a creamier result, but you can use lower-fat milk if desired.
• Eggs — Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the mixture.
• Butter — Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before adding it to the other ingredients.
• Sugar — Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference for sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a savory twist, add grated cheese, diced vegetables, or herbs to the cornmeal mixture before baking.
• Serve the casserole warm as a side dish with roasted meats or stews.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sour cream, honey, or maple syrup to enhance the flavors.
• To achieve a crispier crust, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Ukrainian Cornmeal Casserole hot, straight from the oven, as a comforting main course or as a side dish. Cut it into squares or wedges and garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.

Presentation advice

Present the Ukrainian Cornmeal Casserole in a rustic baking dish, allowing the golden crust to be visible. Pair it with traditional Ukrainian tableware and serve alongside other Ukrainian dishes to create an authentic and inviting spread.