Kačamak

Kačamak

Alternative names	Kachamak
Type	Pudding
Place of origin	Balkans
Region or state	Balkans
Main ingredients	Cornmeal
Media: Kačamak

Kačamak is a kind of maize porridge made in parts of Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. Its name is derived from the Turkish word kaçamak, meaning 'escapade'.

History

The dish is made of cornmeal. Potatoes, milk, white cheese, or kaymak are sometimes added. Similar to the Abkhazia|Abkhazian abısta, Adyghe mamıs, Italian polenta and Romanian mămăligă, it is prepared by boiling cornmeal and then mashing it while the pot is still on the stove. It was once regarded as a poor man's food, but now is widely eaten, including in restaurants.

Serving

In Bulgaria, lačamak is traditionally served with heated lard or sunflower oil with small amounts of browned paprika or hot pepper. Often cracklings or sirene are added.

In Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, kačamak is also prepared with crushed potatoes and cheese until a thick mass is formed.

In Central Serbia, kačamak is prepared with finer grains of white cornmeal, served with white cheese and kajmak. It is usually served with minced meat roasted in butter, boiled grape juice, milk, plain yogurt, honey, sour cream, or sometimes with bacon.

Gallery

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  Kačamak with cheese
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  Kačamak served with cheese and bacon