Kuymak Recipe
A traditional Black Sea specialty made with melted cheese, cornmeal, and butter. Rich, creamy, and irresistibly stretchy, it’s a comforting dish perfect for breakfast or sharing.
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Ingredients
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Base
Cheese
Finishing
Method
Base
- 1
Heat water and butter
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan or a small shallow pan (traditional sac tava or wide skillet) bring 1 cup water and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not boil vigorously.
- 2
Add cornmeal
Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle 3/4 cup cornmeal into the simmering butter-water while whisking or stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to avoid lumps. The mixture will thicken quickly.
- 3
Cook the cornmeal
Keep stirring over low heat for 3–5 minutes until the cornmeal is cooked through, loses raw grit, and becomes a thick, porridge-like consistency. If it becomes too stiff, add 1–2 tablespoons water to adjust (consistency should be thick but pliable). Stir in 1 teaspoon salt.
Cheese
- 4
- 5
Add remaining cheese and optional tang
Once the first portion is mostly melted and stretchy, add the remaining shredded cheese and the optional 2 oz crumbled white cheese or feta (if using). Continue stirring gently and folding the cheese into the hot mixture until completely melted and very stretchy. Keep heat low to prevent the cheese from separating or burning—about 2–4 minutes.
Finish and serve
- 6
Adjust texture
If the kuymak is too thick and not glossy-stretchy, add 1 tablespoon water or two and stir until incorporated. If it’s too loose, cook for another 30–60 seconds while stirring. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- 7
Transfer and top
Transfer the kuymak to a warmed shallow serving dish or serve directly in the pan. Dot with 1 tablespoon butter on top so it melts into the surface and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper if desired.
- 8
Serve
Serve immediately while hot and very stretchy. Traditionally eaten by scooping with small pieces of crusty bread or flatbread. Serves 2–3 as a breakfast or shared appetizer.