Kačamak facts for kids
Prepared Kačamak in traditional restaurant in Trnica, North Macedonia
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| Alternative names | Kachamak, pura, bakrdan |
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| Type | Pudding |
| Place of origin | Balkans |
| Region or state | Balkans |
| Main ingredients | Cornmeal |
Kačamak is a tasty dish that's a bit like a thick porridge. It's made from cornmeal, which comes from maize (corn). You'll find it eaten in many parts of Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. The name Kačamak comes from a Turkish word, kaçamak, which means something like 'escapade' or 'getaway'. In North Macedonia, people also call this dish bakrdan (бакрдан).
Contents
What is Kačamak?
Kačamak is mainly made from cornmeal. Sometimes, other ingredients are added to make it even more delicious. These can include potatoes, milk, white cheese, or a creamy dairy product called kaymak.
This dish is made by boiling cornmeal until it's soft. Then, while it's still hot in the pot, it's mashed until it becomes a thick, smooth mix. It's quite similar to other cornmeal dishes from around the world, like Italian polenta or Romanian mămăligă. Long ago, Kačamak was often seen as a simple meal for people who didn't have much. But today, it's enjoyed by everyone and you can even find it in many restaurants!
How Kačamak is Served
Kačamak is served in different ways depending on where you are. People often add various toppings to make it extra special.
Serving in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, Kačamak is traditionally served with warm lard (pork fat) or sunflower oil. A little bit of browned paprika or hot pepper is often added for flavor. Sometimes, crunchy cracklings (crispy bits of pork skin) or a type of cheese called sirene are mixed in.
Serving in Other Regions
In countries like Montenegro, Albania, and parts of Herzegovina, Kačamak is made even thicker. It's prepared by crushing potatoes and cheese together with the cornmeal until it forms a very solid mass.
In Central Serbia, Kačamak is usually made with finer white cornmeal. It's often served with white cheese and kajmak (a creamy dairy product). People might also enjoy it with minced meat cooked in butter, boiled grape juice, milk, plain yogurt, honey, sour cream, or even bacon.
Gallery
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Kačamak with cheese
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Kačamak served with cheese and bacon
See also
In Spanish: Kachamak para niños
