Polenta with Mushroom Paprikash and Cottage Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal (Measured using the same cup used for the water)
• 3 cup water
• salt for the polenta (To taste; the transcript mentions approximately 1 tsp)
• 1 medium white onion (Finely chopped)
• olive oil or ghee (A little, for sautéing the onion; choose one of the options)
• 500 g champignon mushrooms (Sliced)
• salt for the mushrooms (To taste)
• pepper (To taste)
• paprika (Generously, to taste)
• chilli (Optional, if you prefer the dish spicy)
• liquid cooking cream (14% or 20% fat)
• cottage cheese (For serving, as an additional source of protein)
• green onions (For sprinkling on top)

Steps

1. 1

   Put the water and salt for the polenta in a pot and bring the water to a boil.

2. 2

   When the water starts boiling, gradually add the cornmeal in a steady stream, whisking continuously. Cook over low heat.

3. 3

   Partially cover the pot with a lid. Stir the polenta every 5 minutes until it thickens, approximately 20 minutes. Once it becomes thicker, you can continue stirring with a wooden spoon.

4. 4

   While the polenta is cooking, heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil or ghee.

5. 5

   Add the finely chopped white onion and sauté until translucent.

6. 6

   Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and, if desired, chilli.

7. 7

   Cook the mushrooms until the liquid they release has reduced.

8. 8

   Add the liquid cream and simmer the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. The transcript indicates approximately 5–6 minutes for this stage.

9. 9

   Serve the polenta with the mushroom paprikash. Add cottage cheese and sprinkle green onions on top.

Notes

The amount of cream, the fat used for sautéing, and the quantities of cottage cheese and green onions are not specified in the source. Use the same cup to measure the cornmeal and water.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• vegetarian
• Romanian-inspired
• polenta
• mushrooms
• comfort food
• stovetop
• high-protein option