Mămăligă

Mămăligă is a traditional cornmeal porridge from Romania and Moldova, often compared to polenta. It's made by boiling cornmeal in water or milk until it thickens into a creamy, firm consistency, and is typically served as a staple side dish with cheese, sour cream, or stews.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Mămăligă is high in carbohydrates, providing a good source of energy, and offers essential nutrients like fiber, iron, and B vitamins. A standard serving of about one cup contains roughly 150-200 calories, depending on added ingredients like butter or cheese.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	175 kcal
Protein	3.5 g
Carbs	38 g
Fat	1.5 g
Fiber	2.5 g
Sugar	0.5 g
Sodium	10 mg
Potassium	150 mg
Phosphorus	95 mg
Magnesium	35 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Niacin (B3)	2.0 mg
Thiamine (B1)	0.3 mg
Folate	30 µg
Zinc	0.8 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Mămăligă is a humble yet versatile dish that has been a dietary staple for centuries, often symbolizing resilience and simplicity in Romanian and Moldovan cuisine. Nutritionally, it's unique as a gluten-free alternative to bread or pasta, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.