Low Sodium Cheesy Polenta
Creamy, comforting, and packed with robust flavor, this Low Sodium Cheesy Polenta is a dream dish for health-conscious foodies looking to indulge without overdoing the salt. Made with hearty coarse cornmeal simmered to perfection in a blend of water and low sodium broth, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich and velvety side dish. Unsalted butter and grated Parmesan add just the right amount of creaminess, while garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper lend depth to every bite. Garnished with vibrant, chopped parsley, this polenta is as beautiful as it is satisfying. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it’s perfect as a comforting base for roasted vegetables or protein-packed mains. With keywords like "low sodium," "cheesy polenta," and "healthy comfort food," this dish is ideal for those searching for flavorful, dietary-friendly recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, low sodium if available)
- 1 cup Low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1 cup of low sodium chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
While the liquid is coming to a boil, in a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of polenta with the remaining 1 cup of water. Stir well to prevent clumping.
Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the cornmeal mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for 25-30 minutes or until the polenta is thick and creamy.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated.
Add 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.25 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir until well mixed and the cheese has melted into the polenta.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Remember to keep it low sodium, so avoid adding salt.
Transfer the polenta to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Serve immediately as a side dish or as a base for your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1037 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.2 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.9 g | 119% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 106 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 512 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.8 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.6 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g | ||
| Protein | 34.4 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 799 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 387 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.
