Herbed Polenta
Creamy, comforting, and infused with vibrant fresh herbs, this Herbed Polenta is a versatile dish that’s perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying base for your favorite toppings. Made with a rich blend of whole milk and water, this recipe creates a velvety texture that’s enhanced by the buttery goodness of Parmesan cheese. Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley lend earthy, aromatic notes, while a touch of black pepper adds gentle heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, this polenta can be served warm and silky straight from the pan or cooled and sliced for grilling later. Whether you’re pairing it with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or enjoying it on its own, this herbed polenta is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that showcases the comforting essence of Italian cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup coarse polenta (or cornmeal)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
In a large saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil over medium heat. Add the kosher salt to the mixture.
Gradually whisk in the polenta in a slow, steady stream to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to low and continue whisking for 2-3 minutes as the mixture thickens.
Cover the saucepan partially with a lid and let the polenta simmer gently. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking, for about 20 minutes or until the polenta is tender and creamy.
Stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, thyme, and parsley until fully incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with black pepper and additional salt, if needed.
Remove the polenta from the heat and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir once more before serving to ensure an even, smooth texture.
Serve the herbed polenta warm as a side dish, or let it cool and firm up to slice and grill later, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
306 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.1 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.9 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 49 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 526 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.9 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 12.4 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 321 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 137 mg | 3% | |
*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.
