Soft Polenta
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Soft Polenta recipe, a creamy and velvety dish that's as versatile as it is satisfying. Made with simple pantry staples like cornmeal, water, and a touch of butter, this Italian classic is elevated with the savory richness of grated Parmesan and optional heavy cream for an extra indulgent texture. Perfectly seasoned with salt and a hint of freshly ground black pepper, this polenta comes together with minimal effort, requiring just a bit of patient stirring for its signature smooth consistency. Whether served as a cozy side dish or a hearty base for stews, braised meats, or roasted vegetables, this recipe offers a warm, flavorful embrace in every spoonful. Ready in under an hour, it's the ultimate go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cornmeal (polenta)
- 4 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 cup Heavy cream (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the salt to the water.
Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, pouring it in a thin, steady stream to prevent clumps from forming.
Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. The mixture will thicken as it cooks, so keep stirring to prevent sticking or burning.
Cook the polenta for 35-40 minutes, or until it's thick and creamy. If it becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of hot water, a tablespoon at a time, to adjust the consistency.
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
For an extra creamy texture, stir in the optional heavy cream at this stage. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.
Serve the soft polenta immediately as a side dish, or as a base for stews, braised meats, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1092 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.2 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 2405 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 190.6 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 17.5 g | 35% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 78 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 347 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.
