Ciulama

If you haven't heard of Ciulama yet, then you're missing out on one of the most interesting dishes in Eastern European cuisine. Ciulama is a traditional Romanian dish-a creamy, flavorful stew full of potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and dill. It's an incredibly hearty meal that is sure to fill you up and satisfy your taste buds.

Ciulama


The best thing about Ciulama is its versatility. Whether you like to keep it simple or add some creative flair to the dish, it works well either way. The base of the dish is easy enough-just simmer potatoes, onions, and mushrooms in a pot with a small bit of oil and butter. For flavor, add in some paprika, garlic, and bay leaves, as well as salt and pepper to taste. But if you want to make this dish even more interesting, consider throwing in some smoked sausage, bacon, or pickles.

The creamy goodness of Ciulama can only be described as sublime. After boiling the potatoes, onions, and mushrooms, take the pot off the heat and blend up the ingredients with some sour cream until you achieve a creamy, comforting consistency. Sprinkle with fresh dill and top with sharp cheddar cheese for a truly zesty experience. Some recipes even call for making a dumpling of sorts, by combining egg yolks, flour, and baking soda into a dough before rolling it out and cutting it into tiny rounds. These little dumplings are then added to the pot at the end of the cooking time.

The beauty of Ciulama is that it's easy to prepare, satisfyingly comforting, and, above all, utterly delicious. As a pleasant surprise, it's also budget-friendly and makes for a great leftovers meal—perfect for when you're short on time and money. Whether served hot from the stove or cold from the fridge, Ciulama is a timeless classic that will surely become one of your personal favorites.

Ciulama recipes

Amazing Ciulama recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Ciulama

Ciulama videos

Types of Ciulama

The tantalizing dish of ciulama is sure to tantalize the taste buds. This traditional Romanian dish is made with a combination of vegetables such as potatoes and carrots, often accompanied by chicken and pork. The ingredients are then stewed in a rich and creamy vegetable broth, creating a hearty and comforting meal.

Ciulama itself can be prepared in a variety of ways, depending on one's personal preference and the region in which it is being cooked. In some regions, it is served as a soup while others prepare it as a main dish. It can also be made with fish or even mushrooms, allowing for a multitude of variations.

The key to any successful ciulama is a flavorful broth. Different types of herbs and spices are used to create a stock that adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile. Most recipes call for onions, garlic, celery, carrots, bay leaves, and sometimes paprika for an extra boost. Although every recipe is unique, there are some commonalities that can help distinguish between different types of ciulama.

One type of ciulama is called "ciulama de porc", which is made with pork shoulder. This variation is often cooked slowly, allowing the pork to become extremely tender. The vegetables are then added and simmered until soft, then served with steamed rice. Another popular version is called "ciulama de pui", which is made with chicken. This version usually calls for white beans or cannellini beans to give it a bit of added texture.

Finally, there is "ciulama de peste", which is made with fish such as cod or haddock. The fish is cooked separately from the vegetables, ensuring that it remains moist and flaky. This type of ciulama is commonly served alongside boiled potatoes or polenta and is often topped with a dollop of sour cream.

No matter how you choose to make ciulama, it is sure to delight the taste buds. With its complex blend of flavors and textures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So go ahead and try your own unique version of this classic Romanian dish!