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10 recipes · Romania

Romanian kitchen

10 Romanian recipes you can cook at home, from Ciorba De Perisoare (Romanian Meatball Soup), Ciulama De Pui (Romanian Chicken in White Sauce) and Ghiveci (Romanian Vegetable Stew) to Papanasi (Romanian Cheese Doughnuts).

10 recipes

About Romanian food

The Romanian kitchen

Sour soups, slow-cooked cabbage and warm cornmeal give Romanian cooking much of its everyday character. Pork, chicken and beans provide substance, while dill, parsley, garlic and pickles keep the food lively. A spoonful of sour cream may finish a bowl, but tomato-based stews and roasted vegetable spreads have just as much room at the table.

Keep cornmeal for mamaliga, cabbage for rolls, and a few jars of tomatoes and beans for quick meals. Ciorba gets its bright finish from sour ingredients such as fermented bran liquid or lemon. At the sweeter end, fresh cheese doughnuts meet cool cream and jam, with the contrast doing as much work as the sugar.

Questions, answered

What is Romania's national dish?

Sarmale, meat-and-rice rolls wrapped in cabbage leaves, are widely regarded as a national dish. They are often served with mamaliga and sour cream, though preparations vary by household.

What is the difference between ciorba and soup?

Ciorba refers to a family of sour soups. Vegetables, meat or meatballs may form the base, while bors, lemon or another sour ingredient supplies the defining bright finish.

What can replace Romanian telemea cheese?

Feta is a useful supermarket substitute for its salty, tangy character. Choose a block and crumble it yourself; add less salt to the rest of the meal until you taste the cheese.

Is Romanian food vegetarian-friendly?

There are plenty of meatless choices, including vegetable stews, bean dishes and roasted eggplant spreads. Check broths, cooking fats and cheese ingredients rather than assuming every vegetable dish is vegetarian.

What Romanian dishes can I make at home?

Start with Ciorba De Perisoare (Romanian Meatball Soup), Ciulama De Pui (Romanian Chicken in White Sauce), Ghiveci (Romanian Vegetable Stew), Mamaliga Cu Branza Si Smantana (Polenta with Cheese) and Ostropel De Pui (Romanian Garlic Chicken). Every recipe here is written for a home kitchen, with substitutes for anything hard to find.

What's the quickest Romanian recipe?

Mamaliga Cu Branza Si Smantana (Polenta with Cheese), ready in 40 min.