Brinza Recipes

BRYNDZOVé HALUšKY

Steps:

• Add the bacon pieces to a large skillet over medium-low heat and cook, stirring, until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes for slab bacon and 4 minutes for thick cut. Transfer the bacon and rendered fat to a small bowl. Set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Peel the potatoes and grate them on the small holes of a box grater over a large bowl (keep all the liquid). Add the flour, egg and 1 tablespoon salt. Stir to combine; the batter should be thick but pourable (like really thick pancake batter).
• Put the bryndza cheese (or feta-yogurt mixture) in a large serving bowl and set near the boiling water.
• Set a spaetzle maker or colander over the boiling water (make sure the bottom is not touching the water; remove some water if you need to). Add about a third of the batter to the spaetzle maker and push through into the water according to the equipment instructions. Alternatively, use a rubber spatula to push the batter through the perforations of the colander into the water. Boil the dumplings until firm and tender, about 3 minutes. Remove with a large slotted spoon or spider, shaking off excess water, and drop them onto the cheese in the bowl. Continue with the rest of the batter, making sure the water is back at a rolling boil before each batch.
• Toss to coat the hot dumplings with the cheese (it will look slightly like risotto). Spoon the bacon with the rendered fat over the dumplings and scatter the scallions on top, if using. Finish with the tiniest sprinkle of salt.

BRINZA

Steps:

• Cut the feta into 1-inch squares. In a blender, mix the mustard, sumakh, and vinegar. Slowly drizzle in the oil. Gently toss the cheese in the dressing. Sprinkle oregano leaves on top. Serve with accompaniments.

MAMALIGA CU BRANZA (CORNMEAL MUSH WITH CHEESE)

Steps:

• To prepare the Mamaliga, mix the cornmeal,and salt together with 1 1/2 c cold water and set it aside to soften.
• Bring 4 cups water to a hard boil.
• Add the cornmeal mixture to the boiling water, stirring constantly.
• When the Mamaliga begins to thicken, cover, and cook over lower heat, for about 30 minutes, stirring periodically; do not allow Mamaliga to burn. Now you are ready for the cheese.
• Divide the butter into 3 equal parts.
• Divide the grated cheese into two equal parts.
• Divide the cooked cornmeal into two equal parts.
• To a casserole dish, add 1/3 of the butter and 1/2 of the cooked cornmeal.
• Add an additional 1/3 of the butter, and 1/2 of the grated cheese.
• Add second 1/2 of the cooked cornmeal, butter and cheese.
• Top with the sour cream.
• Bake 1 hour at 350°F.