Microwave Polenta
Whip up creamy, fuss-free microwave polenta in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends! This effortless recipe transforms simple ingredients—coarse cornmeal, water, and a pinch of salt—into a velvety, comforting dish without the constant stirring of stovetop methods. The magic happens in the microwave, where you cook and stir in easy intervals until you achieve the ideal consistency. Optional additions like butter and Parmesan cheese take this polenta to the next level, enhancing its rich, savory flavor. Serve it hot as a versatile side dish or the perfect base for hearty toppings like sautéed vegetables, marinara, or slow-cooked meats. Ideal for quick, gluten-free meals, microwave polenta is a must-try for any home cook!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Butter (optional)
- 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the polenta, water, and salt. Stir well to ensure there are no clumps.
Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe plate or plastic wrap to prevent splattering while allowing steam to escape.
Microwave on high power for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot) and stir the mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps.
Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove and stir again, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Repeat the process, microwaving in 3-minute intervals, stirring well each time, until the polenta reaches a creamy consistency. This should take about 15-20 minutes total cooking time.
If desired, stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese after the final microwave session to enhance flavor and creaminess.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
Serve hot as a side dish or as a base for your favorite toppings like sautéed vegetables, meat, or marinara sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1593 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.0 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.5 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 157 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 3025 mg | 132% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 194.7 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 64.7 g | 129% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 1388 mg | 107% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 310 mg | 7% | |
*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.
