Montenegrin Cicvara with Greens and Honey

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup fine cornmeal
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 2 tbsp butter
• 5 oz feta or farmer cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 cups Swiss chard, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• Fine sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps

1. Bring water to a simmer and whisk in cornmeal gradually, then cook on low until smooth and thick.
2. Stir butter, cheese, and milk through the cornmeal until creamy, keeping the heat low so the dairy does not scorch.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook garlic briefly, then add chard with a splash of water and cover until just tender.
4. Uncover the chard, season with lemon, salt, and pepper, and cook away any excess liquid.
5. Taste the cicvara and loosen it with hot water if needed; it should be spoonable rather than stiff.
6. Spoon cicvara into bowls, mound greens on top, drizzle with honey, and finish with parsley and walnuts.

Allergen note: Contains dairy and tree nuts. Use plant butter and a melting plant cheese for a dairy-free adaptation.

Use the listed quantities as a guide, adjust seasoning to taste, and cook proteins to a safe internal temperature.