This Traditional Romanian Polenta with Sour Cream and Cheese is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to every meal. Made with golden, creamy polenta, tangy sour cream, and crumbled feta cheese, this dish is simple yet deeply satisfying—a staple of Romanian cuisine. 🇷🇴✨
Ingredients
For the Polenta:
- 1 cup coarse cornmeal
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tablespoons butter 🧈
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (or Romanian telemea cheese) 🧀
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves for garnish 🌿
Instructions
Prepare the Polenta:
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Reduce heat to low, add salt, and stir frequently for 20-30 minutes, until the polenta thickens and becomes creamy.
- Stir in butter until fully melted.
Serve the Polenta:
- Spoon the hot polenta onto a large serving dish or individual plates, shaping it into a soft mound.
Add the Toppings:
- Create a small well in the center of the polenta.
- Spoon the sour cream into the well, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
Garnish & Enjoy!
- Finish with a touch of fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor and color.
- Serve immediately and enjoy while warm! 😍
Notes

Oh my goodness, this looks amazing! Mămăliguță is one of my favorite things, and that feta topping… drool. Can’t wait to try this recipe, especially the bit about using telemea if I can find it! Thanks for sharing!