Proja is a traditional Serbian cornbread that’s quick and easy to prepare anywhere in the world. While many authentic Serbian dishes take time and culinary experience, this Balkan classic is simple, affordable, and wonderfully comforting. Made from cornmeal and a few everyday staples, proja is a wholesome, healthy dish that captures the warm, homemade flavors of traditional Serbian food.
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What Is Proja?
Proja (pronounced pro-ya) is a savory, dense Serbian cornbread loved for its simplicity and versatility. You can enjoy it on its own, serve it as a quick snack, or pair it as a side dish with almost any meal. Thanks to its firm texture, proja is also ideal for travel or packed lunches — it’s easy to carry, doesn’t crumble, and stays fresh for several days.
Proja recently earned international recognition when CNN included it on its list of the “50 Best Breads Around the World,” alongside global favorites such as the French baguette, Georgia’s khachapuri, Italian ciabatta, Turkish simit, Australian damper bread, and Chinese shaobing, among many others.
My Proja Recipe
My Serbian proja recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, making it one of the easiest traditional Balkan dishes you can try at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta (medium or coarse cornmeal)
- 1 cup yogurt (you can substitute sour cream or kefir)
- 1 cup white flower
- 1/2 cup sunflower oil
- 12 g baking powder (one small packet or about 1 tablespoon)
- 80 g soft cheese (feta or any similar crumbly cheese) – I usually add about 80 g, but feel free to use more if you like a richer, cheesier flavor.
- Sesame seeds – optional, for topping
- Salt – optional (skip it if your cheese is already salty)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- In a large bowl, combine the polenta, yogurt, white flour, and sunflower oil. Mix well with a spoon until smooth.
- Add the baking powder and crumbled cheese, then stir again until evenly blended. (No need to add salt if your cheese is salty.)
- Pour the mixture into silicone baking cups or spread it evenly on baking paper in a baking tray.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, if desired.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
This is how I make proja, and while it’s not the traditional recipe, it’s the version that works best for me. It turns out great every time! Traditional proja was once made only with cornmeal, water, salt, and sunflower oil, a humble dish that sustained generations in rural Serbia.
How to Eat Proja: The Best Serving Ideas
You can enjoy proja on its own or pair it with almost any meal, just like you would with bread. One of the most popular ways to eat it in Serbia is with a cup of yogurt or sour milk, or as part of a traditional Serbian platter filled with kulen (spicy cured sausage), pršuta (dry-cured ham), assorted cheeses, turšija (traditional pickle mix) or fresh cherry tomatoes, etc. Both combinations make for a hearty breakfast or light dinner.
The best way to enjoy it is with čvarci (crispy pork cracklings), kajmak (a creamy dairy spread), and ajvar (a roasted red pepper spread) — three iconic Balkan delicacies you simply have to try. Proja also makes an excellent side bread with cooked meals for lunch, from stews to grilled meats.
In the end, there are no strict rules, as proja pairs well with whatever you love or have on hand at home.
Where to Try Proja in Belgrade
The best proja is always homemade, but if you’d like to taste it while exploring Belgrade, you’re in luck. This traditional Serbian cornbread is easy to find in most local bakeries (pekara) and traditional restaurants across the city. Freshly baked and warm, it’s a simple yet unforgettable way to experience authentic Serbian comfort food during your stay in Belgrade.
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