Orange Polenta with Orange Balsamico Sauce
Brighten up your dinner table with this luxurious Orange Polenta with Orange Balsamico Sauce—a perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors. This creamy polenta is infused with freshly grated orange zest, vibrant orange juice, and a touch of heavy cream, creating a luscious, velvety base. Elevated with Parmesan and unsalted butter, it’s pure comfort in every bite. The star of this dish, however, is the tangy-sweet orange balsamico sauce, made with balsamic vinegar, honey, and a cornstarch slurry for just the right thickness. Drizzled generously over the warm polenta, the sauce creates a stunning interplay of flavors that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, this unique recipe is perfect for a sophisticated side or a vegetarian main course. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy finish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Polenta
- 3 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Orange Zest
- 1 cup Orange Juice
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 0.25 cup Orange Juice
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Water (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta and reduce the heat to low.
Cook the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until creamy and thickened.
Stir in the orange zest, 1 cup of orange juice, heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, then remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
To prepare the orange balsamico sauce, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and 1/4 cup of orange juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Mix the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the simmering sauce while whisking, then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
Serve the polenta on plates or in bowls. Drizzle the orange balsamico sauce over the top.
Garnish with additional orange zest, Parmesan, or fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1227 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 82.2 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.2 g | 241% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 230 mg | 77% | |
| Sodium | 2339 mg | 102% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 101.4 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 69.1 g | ||
| Protein | 16.6 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 429 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 856 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.
