Flavored Polenta
Transform your mealtime with this rich and creamy Flavored Polenta recipe, a comforting Italian staple elevated with bold flavors and a luxurious texture. Made with simple ingredients like cornmeal, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and a hint of fresh thyme, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes, blending ease and elegance. The optional addition of heavy cream creates an irresistibly velvety finish, making it perfect as a savory side dish or a hearty base for roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or sautéed seafood. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy weeknight companion or a gourmet accompaniment for your next dinner party, this quick and flavorful polenta is sure to delight.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cornmeal (polenta)
- 4 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 0.25 cup Heavy Cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the salt to the water.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the cornmeal while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Continue stirring the polenta with a wooden spoon or whisk for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pot.
Stir in the butter, minced garlic, and fresh thyme (if using). Mix until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
Turn off the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. If desired, stir in the heavy cream for extra creaminess.
Season the polenta with black pepper and adjust salt to taste if needed.
Transfer the polenta to a serving bowl or plate. You can garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs for presentation.
Serve hot as a side dish or as a base for sautéed vegetables, roasted meats, or other toppings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1426 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.5 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.3 g | 152% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 147 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 3901 mg | 170% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 194.7 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.7 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 50.6 g | 101% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 997 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 393 mg | 8% | |
*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.
