Baked Mamaliga Baked Polenta Recipes

BAKED POLENTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease an 11 by 17-inch baking sheet pan with oil. Line pan with waxed paper. The oil will secure the waxed paper onto the pan.
• In a large pot bring to a boil 2 quarts of salted water. Stir in extra-virgin olive oil. When water has reached a boil, reduce heat to medium high and slowly add the polenta, whisking constantly for 3 minutes. When polenta is thick and smooth, pour it into the prepared pan. Spread the polenta evenly.
• Bake in oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan. Note: the polenta will not brown or change in color. When cool enough to handle, cut into any shape you desire. I like to cut out 2-inch circles.

MAMALIGA

Steps:

• Heat the water and add the salt.
• When the water starts to boil, pour the cornmeal all at once and start stirring with a wooden spoon.
• The cornmeal will begin to bubble soon, at which point turn the heat down, but carry on stirring to prevent the formation of lumps.
• Wet the tail end of a wooden spoon with water and insert it into the mamaliga. If it is done, this will come out clean.

EASY OVEN-BAKED REAL POLENTA (NOT INSTANT)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Pour water into the prepared dish; stir in polenta and salt.
• Bake in the preheated oven until polenta is thickened, about 40 minutes. Stir in squash, sour cream, and Cheddar cheese. Continue baking until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

HOW TO COOK BASIC POLENTA - MAMALIGA

Steps:

• Heat the water in a large pot but don't let it come to a boil (it helps against the formation of lumps). Add the salt.
• Slowly add the cornmeal while stirring or whisking (with an egg beater, not a mixer) all the time. A word of caution - be careful when the polenta starts to bubble; if the bubbles are too big, you might get burned - so turn the heat down if that happens.
• Stir: When all the cornmeal is incorporated, continue stirring or whisking shortly to ensure no lumps. Turn the heat down, place a lid on top, but leave a crack open. Stir every 3 minutes or so, but there is no need to stir all the time.
• Cook: Read the cooking instructions on the polenta packet to know how long the cornmeal needs to be cooked. I cook the polenta made with coarse cornmeal for 40 to 50 minutes and the polenta made with medium cornmeal for about 15 minutes.
• Serve immediately or leave to cool if you want to use it another way.

BAKED MAMALIGA, IT'S THE CORNIEST POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring the water and milk to a boil. Add the cornmeal and turn down to a simmer. Continually whisk for 4 minutes until smooth. Stir in 1/2 the cheese, the butter, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the fresh corn and seasoning until the cheese has melted. Grease a casserole with the remaining teaspoon of olive oil and pour in the corn mixture. Top with the remaining cheese and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven until all cheese is melted and browned on top. To serve, cut with dental floss.