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Banosh

A traditional Ukrainian polenta made with cornmeal, cheese, and mushrooms, finished with creamy sour cream and a touch of butter for ultimate comfort and indulgence.

45 minMediumServes 4420 cal/serving

UkrainianDinnerStovetopVegetarianGluten-Free

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Ingredients

  • 12 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cornmeal (polenta)
  • 1/2 cup smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat half the 4 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz sliced mushrooms (button or cremini) and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and any liquid has evaporated. Transfer to a plate.

  2. 2

    In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tbsp butter. Add 1/2 diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

  3. 3

    Bring 4 cups chicken broth to a simmer in a separate pot. Slowly add 1 cup cornmeal (polenta) while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

  4. 4

    Continue stirring for 15-20 minutes as the cornmeal thickens and becomes creamy. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape.

  5. 5

    Stir in the cooked 12 oz sliced mushrooms (button or cremini), 1/2 diced onion, 1/2 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme.

  6. 6

    Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

  7. 7

    Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm.

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Questions

What is Banosh?

A traditional Ukrainian polenta made with cornmeal, cheese, and mushrooms, finished with creamy sour cream and a touch of butter for ultimate comfort and indulgence. This reference files it under Ukrainian dinner: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 45 minutes start to finish.

How much time should I plan for Banosh?

As written, 45 minutes: 15 of prep and 30 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (20 minutes): "Continue stirring for 15-20 minutes as the cornmeal thickens and becomes creamy."

What can I use instead of sour cream in Banosh?

The entry for Banosh calls for 1/2 cup sour cream. In its place: Full-fat plain Greek yogurt, measure for measure. In hot sauces, add it off the heat.

Can I make Banosh dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Banosh is 4 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup smoked cheddar cheese, shredded, 1/2 cup sour cream. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor); the sour cream for thick coconut yogurt with a squeeze of lemon. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Banosh gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Banosh is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the broth.

How many calories are in Banosh?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 420 calories, with 18 g protein, 38 g carbohydrate and 22 g fat, plus 3 g fiber and 680 mg sodium.

How long does Banosh keep?

Refrigerate what is left of Banosh within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

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