Creamy Tex Mex Polenta
Delight your taste buds with this Creamy Tex-Mex Polenta, an irresistible fusion of comfort food and bold southwestern flavors. Made with rich whole milk, savory chicken or vegetable broth, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this creamy polenta is elevated with the zest of diced green chiles and the warm spices of chili powder and cumin. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly smooth, this dish is a comforting side or a hearty main course, ideal for pairing with your favorite Tex-Mex dishes. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish, and serve it warm for a rustic meal that's as vibrant as it is satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners that don’t skimp on flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 ounces diced green chiles (canned)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken or vegetable broth and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Once the liquid is simmering, slowly whisk in the cornmeal in a thin, steady stream to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until fully combined.
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the polenta, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for about 20-25 minutes or until creamy and thickened.
Stir in the unsalted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese until they melt and incorporate into the polenta.
Add the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix in the Tex-Mex flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove the saucepan from heat.
Spoon the creamy Tex-Mex polenta into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite Tex-Mex dishes or enjoy it as a comforting main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
498 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.0 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.4 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 82 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 1626 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.2 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 21.7 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 496 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 249 mg | 5% | |
*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.
