Cicvara

Cicvara

Cicvara (TSEETS-vah-rah)

Butter Cornmeal Porridge

Prep Time 40 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
4
🔥 Calories 452 kcal

A rich, golden Montenegrin porridge of cornmeal slowly cooked with kajmak and butter until it pulls away from the pot in silky, glossy strands.

Nutrition & Info

450 kcal per serving
Protein 10.0g
Carbs 40.0g
Fat 28.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free vegetarian

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

heavy pot wooden spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: shallow earthenware bowl

Garnishes: kajmak, melted butter

Accompaniments: fresh bread, yogurt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring water and milk to a boil in a heavy pot.

  2. 2

    Gradually whisk in cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to low and cook 15 min, stirring frequently.

  4. 4

    Add kajmak and butter in pieces, stirring vigorously until fully incorporated and glossy.

  5. 5

    Continue cooking 10 min until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pot.

  6. 6

    Serve immediately, mounded on a plate with extra kajmak on top.

💡

Did You Know?

Montenegrin shepherds judged cicvara quality by whether a wooden spoon could stand upright in the finished dish.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • heavy pot
  • wooden spoon

Garnishing

kajmak, melted butter

Accompaniments

fresh bread, yogurt

The Story Behind Cicvara

Cicvara is a pastoral Montenegrin staple that sustained highland shepherds through harsh winters. Made from simple pantry ingredients enriched with dairy from mountain flocks, it represents the essence of Montenegrin mountain cuisine where every calorie counted.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed breakfast or lunch 📜 Origins: Medieval

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