Quinoa and Corn Grits Polenta
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy and nutrient-rich Quinoa and Corn Grits Polenta, a modern twist on a beloved classic. Combining the earthy nuttiness of quinoa with the smooth texture of traditional corn grits, this dish is cooked to perfection with a blend of water and milk (or plant-based alternatives) for richness. Enhanced with olive oil or butter and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese, it strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and health. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile recipe can be served immediately for a velvety finish or cooled and sliced for grilling. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this gluten-free polenta is as customizable as it is satisfying, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of black pepper to tie it all together.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cups Quinoa
- 0.5 cups Corn grits (polenta)
- 3 cups Water
- 1 cups Milk (or plant-based alternative)
- 1 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (or butter)
- 0.25 cups Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoons Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or thyme, for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, corn grits, water, and milk. Add the salt and stir well.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and creamy. Add more water or milk if the polenta becomes too thick before the quinoa and corn grits are fully cooked.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the olive oil or butter. For a richer flavor, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese at this stage if desired.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Spoon the quinoa and corn grits polenta onto a serving plate or bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs if using.
Serve immediately for a creamy consistency, or pour into a greased pan and let cool for a firmer texture that can be sliced and grilled later.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1323 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.1 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.5 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 60 mg | 20% | |
| Sodium | 3979 mg | 173% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 155.2 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.7 g | ||
| Protein | 51.6 g | 103% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 1020 mg | 78% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 677 mg | 14% | |
*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.
