Low Fat Cheddar Polenta
Indulge in the creamy goodness of **Low Fat Cheddar Polenta**, a lighter take on a classic comfort food. This simple yet satisfying recipe combines yellow cornmeal with a blend of water and skim milk for a velvety base, then takes it to the next level with the addition of shredded low-fat sharp cheddar cheese. Seasoned with a hint of salt and black pepper, this dish is perfectly balanced in flavor while being easy on the calories. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile side pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even as a stand-alone dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness! Perfect for quick weeknight meals or as an elevated addition to any dinner spread, this recipe proves that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for health. Keywords: low fat polenta, cheddar polenta recipe, creamy polenta, healthy side dish, quick comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup skim milk
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (polenta)
- 0.5 cup low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of water with 1 cup of skim milk and 0.5 teaspoons of salt. Heat over medium-high heat until the liquid just begins to boil.
Gradually whisk in 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, also known as polenta, reducing the heat to low. Continue to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Once the polenta begins to thicken after a couple of minutes, switch to a wooden spoon. Stir the mixture frequently to avoid sticking, and cook for about 20 minutes or until the polenta reaches a creamy consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 0.5 cup of shredded low-fat sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the polenta.
Season with 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper, tasting and adjusting for salt if necessary.
Transfer the polenta to a serving dish and, if desired, garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Serve warm as a side dish complementing roasted or grilled meats or vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1135 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.9 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6 g | 18% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 1730 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 204.5 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.9 g | ||
| Protein | 48.3 g | 97% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 804 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 7.6 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 866 mg | 18% | |
*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.
