Polenta
Transform simple ingredients into an irresistible comfort food with this classic polenta recipe. Made with creamy milk and coarse cornmeal, this Italian staple is slow-cooked to perfection and enriched with buttery smoothness and savory Parmesan or Pecorino cheese. The result is a velvety, flavorful base that pairs beautifully with stews, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe spotlights an easy technique for achieving the perfect creamy consistency while offering the versatility to serve it fresh or set for grilling. Whether you prefer it as a luxurious side dish or a hearty main, this polenta is sure to impress with its rich texture and customizable herbaceous finish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Coarse cornmeal (polenta)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- 0.25 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Optional herbs (parsley or thyme, finely chopped)
Instructions
In a medium-sized pot, bring the water and milk to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Add the salt to the pot and stir to dissolve.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the coarse cornmeal in a steady stream. This will prevent lumps from forming.
Continue to stir constantly for the first 2-3 minutes until the polenta begins to thicken.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the polenta for 30-35 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent sticking. Scrape the sides and bottom of the pot as you stir.
Once the polenta reaches a creamy consistency and the grains are tender, remove the pot from the heat.
Stir in the unsalted butter and grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese until fully incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
If desired, fold in chopped herbs for added freshness and flavor.
Serve the polenta immediately as a creamy base for stews, roasted vegetables, or grilled proteins. Alternatively, allow it to cool and set for slicing and grilling later, if preferred.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2222 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 99.5 g | 128% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.4 g | 302% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 274 mg | 91% | |
| Sodium | 6111 mg | 266% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 211.4 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.6 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.4 g | ||
| Protein | 111.0 g | 222% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 3008 mg | 231% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 891 mg | 19% | |
*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.
