Proja (Serbian Cornbread with White Cheese)
Local name: проја
In short: A savory Serbian cornbread made with cornmeal, white cheese, yogurt and eggs, baked until golden. Eat it warm with kajmak and ajvar. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Proja is Serbian cornbread, baked in a pan until golden and cut into squares. Unlike sweet cornbread, it is savory, soft and moist, thanks to crumbled white cheese, yogurt and eggs in the batter. People eat it warm with kajmak and ajvar for breakfast, or alongside soup and grilled meat. Fine cornmeal gives the best texture, and leftovers toast well the next day.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and oil a 22 x 30 cm (9 x 12 in) baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the yogurt, oil and milk until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir just until combined. Fold in the crumbled cheese. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm.
Tips
- Feta and white brined cheese vary a lot in saltiness. Taste a piece first and cut the salt in the batter if it is very salty.
- For a crisper bottom crust, heat the oiled pan in the oven for 5 minutes before pouring in the batter.
Questions and answers
Can I make proja without cheese?
Yes. Leave out the cheese, add 50 ml (1/4 cup) more milk and 1/4 tsp more salt. The bread will be milder and plainer, but still moist.
How do I store proja?
Wrap squares and keep them at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for 4 days. Warm them in a toaster oven or a dry pan before serving.
What do you eat proja with?
In Serbia, with kajmak, ajvar and a glass of yogurt for breakfast, or as a side to bean soup, stews and grilled meat.
How long does it take to make Proja (Serbian Cornbread with White Cheese)?
About 45 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Proja (Serbian Cornbread with White Cheese)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 10 g of protein, 30 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
