Hutsul cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and rich colors, and this authentic recipe for Hutsul Banosh, or cornmeal porridge, is no exception. This dish is traditionally made with sour cream or heavy cream instead of milk, resulting in a richer, more satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter (4 cups) sour cream (20% fat or higher)
- 140 grams (1 cup) cornmeal
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 150 grams (5 oz) bryndza cheese (sheep’s milk cheese)
- Cracklings (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, bring the sour cream to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the salt and stir to dissolve.
- Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 7-10 minutes, or until the banosh is thick and creamy.
- If the banosh has released a lot of fat, you can skim it off at this point.
- Serve the banosh hot, sprinkled with bryndza cheese and cracklings (if desired).
Tips:
- For a creamier banosh, use a higher fat content sour cream.
- If you don’t have bryndza cheese, you can substitute feta cheese or ricotta salata.
- To make cracklings, cook diced bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels and reserve the cracklings for serving.
Enjoy!
Notes:
- This recipe is for a basic Hutsul Banosh. You can add other ingredients to your liking, such as mushrooms, onions, or garlic.
- Hutsul Banosh is traditionally served with a wooden spoon.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
Here are some additional details about Hutsul Banosh:
- Hutsul Banosh is a traditional dish from the Hutsul region of Ukraine, which is located in the Carpathian Mountains.
- The dish is made with cornmeal, which is a staple food in the Hutsul region.
- Hutsul Banosh is typically served with bryndza cheese, which is a salty, sheep’s milk cheese.
- The dish can also be served with other toppings, such as cracklings, mushrooms, or onions.
- Hutsul Banosh is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for a cold winter day.