Traditional Albanian krelan — the baked dish with cornmeal, butter and cheese

Ingredients (serves 4)

500 g cornmeal

700 ml water

1 teaspoon salt

100 g butter (plus a little for greasing the pan)

200 g white cheese (for serving)

Olives and pickles (optional, for serving)

Preparation steps

Preheat the oven to 200°C and grease a medium baking pan with butter.

Bring the water and salt to a boil in a pot.

Add the cornmeal little by little, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon so no lumps form.

Simmer on low heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

Add half the butter, mix well and pour the mixture into the pan, leveling it with the spoon.

Scatter small pieces of butter on top and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the surface turns golden.

Serve warm, with white cheese, olives and pickles on the side.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4