Griș cu Lapte (Romanian Semolina Porridge)
Local name: Griș cu lapte
In short: Fine semolina whisked into hot milk and cooked into a smooth, creamy porridge, served with jam or cocoa, a Romanian childhood breakfast. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 250 kcal
Griș cu lapte is the warm bowl many Romanians remember from kindergarten and from grandmother's kitchen. Fine semolina is whisked into hot milk and cooked for a few minutes until smooth and thick, then topped with a spoonful of jam, a sprinkle of cocoa or a knob of butter. It takes about ten minutes, needs almost no ingredients and suits anyone who wants a gentle start to the day.
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a medium saucepan and add the sugar, salt and vanilla. Heat over medium heat until it steams and tiny bubbles form at the edge. Do not let it boil over.
- Lower the heat. Pour in the semolina in a thin, steady stream while whisking constantly, to prevent lumps.
- Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring all the time, until the porridge is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the butter. Let it stand for 2 minutes so it thickens slightly.
- Spoon into bowls and top with a spoonful of jam, a dusting of cocoa or a pinch of cinnamon. Serve warm.
Tips
- For a lump-free porridge with no stress, whisk the semolina into the cold milk first, then heat while stirring until thick.
- Make it thinner or thicker to taste. Add 100 ml (scant 1/2 cup) more milk for a looser porridge, or cook for a minute longer for a firmer one.
Questions and answers
Can I make griș cu lapte with plant milk?
Yes. Oat and soy milk both work well. The porridge may be slightly thinner, so cook it for a minute longer and adjust the sugar.
Why is my semolina porridge lumpy?
The semolina went in too fast or the milk was boiling hard. Add it in a thin stream, whisk constantly, or start from cold milk.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes. Leftover porridge sets firm as it cools and can be sliced and served as a simple pudding. Reheat it with a splash of milk if you prefer it creamy.
How long does it take to make Griș cu Lapte (Romanian Semolina Porridge)?
About 15 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Griș cu Lapte (Romanian Semolina Porridge)?
About 250 kcal per serving, with 9 g of protein, 32 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 250 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
