Homemade Polenta
Discover the rustic simplicity of Homemade Polenta, a versatile and comforting dish that pairs beautifully with any meal. This recipe transforms coarse yellow cornmeal into a luscious, creamy delight, slowly cooked to perfection with just water, salt, and a touch of unsalted butter. For an extra layer of indulgence, fold in grated Parmesan cheese, or finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper. Ready in just 40 minutes, this traditional Italian staple is as satisfying as it is adaptable—serve it warm and velvety as a side dish, or let it cool and slice it for grilling or frying later. Whether you're crafting a hearty base for roasted vegetables or a golden-crisp snack, this homemade polenta recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Coarse yellow cornmeal (polenta)
- 4 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil or additional butter for serving (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (optional)
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Slowly pour the cornmeal into the boiling water, whisking constantly to avoid lumps forming.
Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the mixture starts to thicken. This should take 2-3 minutes.
Switch to a wooden spoon and continue to stir the polenta frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook the mixture for about 30-35 minutes, or until the polenta pulls away from the sides of the pan and is creamy in texture. If the polenta becomes too thick at any point, add a splash of water and stir well.
Once cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and, if desired, the grated Parmesan cheese for added creaminess and flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or butter as needed.
Serve the polenta immediately as a creamy side dish, or transfer it to a greased pan to cool and firm up for slicing and grilling or frying later.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
272 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.0 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 23 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 785 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.7 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 9.3 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 236 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 57 mg | 1% | |
*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.
