Creamy Polenta
Rich, velvety, and absolutely comforting, this Creamy Polenta recipe is the ultimate side dish or base for hearty toppings. Made with a blend of water and milk for a perfectly luscious texture, coarse cornmeal is slowly simmered to perfection and enhanced with creamy butter and nutty Parmesan cheese. Simple pantry staples like freshly ground black pepper and salt round out the flavor, creating a dish that is both humble and indulgent. With just a few ingredients and a hands-on cooking method, this polenta is a versatile addition to meals—ideal for serving alongside grilled meats, savory stews, or as a standalone indulgence. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or seeking comfort food bliss, this creamy polenta is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
Start by bringing the 4 cups of water and 2 cups of milk to a gentle boil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat.
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and slowly add 1 cup of coarse cornmeal, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for about 30 minutes or until the polenta has thickened and pulls away slightly from the sides of the pan. Make sure to adjust the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer.
Once thickened, stir in 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated into the polenta.
Add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it has melted and the polenta is creamy.
Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
Serve the creamy polenta hot as a delicious side dish, or as a base for hearty stews or grilled meats.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1771 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.1 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 43.6 g | 218% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 217 mg | 72% | |
| Sodium | 3948 mg | 172% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 213.9 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.7 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.3 g | ||
| Protein | 65.5 g | 131% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 1577 mg | 121% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 1125 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
