Cicvara sa Medom i Kajmakom & Grilled Vegetables (Ancient Montenegrin Cheese-Cornmeal Skillet) – Authentic Montenegro Recipe
Centuries-old Montenegrin hospitality dish cooking cornmeal directly in melted mountain cheese until golden and silky.
- Country of Origin
- 🇲🇪 Montenegro (Southern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- vegetarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Slow-stirred yellow cornmeal and melted white cheese/kajmak, Charred zucchini and bell peppers, Butter, Sea salt
Ingredients for Cicvara sa Medom i Kajmakom & Grilled Vegetables (Ancient Montenegrin Cheese-Cornmeal Skillet) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) slow-stirred yellow cornmeal and melted white cheese/kajmak, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups charred zucchini and bell peppers, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup savory garnish
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with butter
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Montenegro seasoning (sea salt, touch of mountain honey, thyme)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and butter for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add slow-stirred yellow cornmeal and melted white cheese/kajmak and charred zucchini and bell peppers along with sea salt, touch of mountain honey, thyme, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with savory garnish and serve straight from the skillet.