Firm Polenta
Transform humble cornmeal into a versatile culinary masterpiece with this Firm Polenta recipe, a comforting and gluten-free dish perfect as a side or a standalone meal. Made by slowly simmering yellow cornmeal in salted water, this polenta achieves a satisfyingly thick consistency before being enriched with creamy butter and optional Parmesan cheese for a touch of indulgence. Once set in a baking dish, the polenta solidifies into a firm, sliceable base that can be served as-is or elevated with a quick grill or pan-fry to develop a golden crust. Ideal for pairing with everything from roasted vegetables to hearty stews, this easy-to-make recipe offers endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen. Whether served fresh or stored for later use, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup Yellow cornmeal (polenta)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil or additional butter (for greasing)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water is boiling, add the salt and reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a steady stream to prevent clumping.
Continue whisking constantly for the first 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
Switch to a wooden spoon and cook the polenta over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 30-35 minutes or until the polenta pulls away from the sides of the pan and is very thick. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent sticking or burning.
Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese (if using) until fully incorporated.
Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or a small loaf pan with olive oil or butter.
Pour the hot polenta into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Let the polenta cool at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, or until it solidifies and becomes firm.
Once firm, you can slice the polenta into squares, triangles, or any desired shape. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use.
For added flavor, grill or pan-fry the polenta slices with a little olive oil or butter before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1382 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.9 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.9 g | 130% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 110 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 3314 mg | 144% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 192.0 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.4 g | ||
| Protein | 44.4 g | 89% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 723 mg | 56% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 406 mg | 9% | |
*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.
