Ukrainian-style Cornbread (Proja / Projara)

Ingredients

In this Ukrainian adaptation of Serbian Proja, we incorporate traditional Ukrainian flavors and ingredients. While the original Proja uses feta cheese, we substitute it with Ukrainian cottage cheese, which adds a creamy and tangy element to the cornbread. Additionally, we infuse the bread with the distinct flavors of dill and garlic, commonly found in Ukrainian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Proja / Projara, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) cornmeal 2 cups (240g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups (470ml) buttermilk 2 cups (470ml) buttermilk
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (200g) Ukrainian cottage cheese 1 cup (200g) Ukrainian cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh dill, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh dill, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. 5.
   Fold in the Ukrainian cottage cheese, fresh dill, and minced garlic.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and smooth the top.
7. 7.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Allow the cornbread to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine or medium-grind cornmeal for a smoother texture in the cornbread.
• Ukrainian cottage cheese — If you can't find Ukrainian cottage cheese, you can substitute it with farmer's cheese or ricotta cheese.
• Fresh dill — If fresh dill is not available, you can use dried dill, but reduce the quantity to 1 tablespoon.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of grated Ukrainian cheese, such as smetana or bryndza, to the batter.
• Serve the cornbread warm with a dollop of sour cream or Ukrainian-style garlic sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftover cornbread can be toasted and enjoyed as a breakfast or snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Ukrainian-style cornbread as a side dish with traditional Ukrainian soups like borscht or solyanka. It also pairs well with hearty stews and roasted meats. For a complete Ukrainian meal, serve it alongside varenyky (Ukrainian dumplings) and a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the cornbread into squares or wedges and arrange them on a rustic wooden platter. Garnish with sprigs of fresh dill for a pop of color.