Polenta

This creamy polenta recipe is so versatile, you can use it as a side dish or load it with tasty toppings and serve it as the main course! Perfect for serving with lamb, pork, chicken, veal, or veggies, this basic polenta with Parmesan is an easy recipe you will want to add to your weekly rotation!

Creamy Polenta Recipe

Polenta is a great addition to your meal plans because it's a nice (and healthier) alternative to the usual starches like rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. It's gluten-free and full of beneficial antioxidants without sacrificing flavor!

Did I mention how easy it is to make? It's almost too good to be true!

Jump to:

• Creamy Polenta Recipe
• 🥘 Ingredients
• 🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions
• 💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes
• 😋 What To Serve With Polenta
• 📋 Recipe

🥘 Ingredients

This polenta will be ultra-tasty with or without the Parmesan, but I find the added cheese is always a hit! If you have cornmeal on hand, everything else is already in your kitchen.

• Water - 3 cups of water, or milk, or chicken stock.
• Cornmeal - 1 cup of cornmeal (*see note).
• Water - 1 cup of water, or milk, or chicken stock.
• Butter - 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional) - ½ a cup of finely grated Parmesan.
• Salt - 1 pinch, to taste.

*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts & instructions!*

🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions

The steps to making this polenta are super simple. Just don't forget to whisk or stir every 5 minutes as it simmers or it may burn.

1. Boil. Pour the 3 cups of water into your saucepan and bring to a low boil.
2. Whisk. Combine 1 cup of water (or milk, or chicken stock) and 1 cup of cornmeal in a small bowl. Whisk together, then pour into the boiling water. Whisk until no lumps remain.
3. Thicken. Reduce heat and simmer while whisking for a few minutes or just until the polenta begins to thicken.
4. Simmer. Cover your saucepan with a lid and simmer for up to 30 minutes. Whisk or stir every 5 minutes. When thickened too much, you can switch from a whisk to a spatula to stir.
5. Add remaining ingredients. Once the polenta is thick and the grains are tender, remove the pan from heat. Add in ½  a cup of Parmesan, 1 pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix until it is all blended and serve.

Once cooled, polenta can be cut into shapes or slices, turned into fries, and much more! Though the easiest and most versatile way to enjoy it is as-is with a spoon. Enjoy!

💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes

• Your cooking time may vary based on the grind and type of cornmeal.
• Storing: Polenta leftovers can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: The easiest way to reheat polenta is in the microwave. Add ¼ to ½ cup of water or broth and microwave for short increments until hot. Whisk to combine. Alternatively, you can reheat polenta gently on the stove (use low heat) and follow the same directions.

😋 What To Serve With Polenta

• Garlic Butter Mushrooms
• Pan Seared Duck Breast
• Pan Seared Filet Mignon
• Roasted Leg of Lamb
• Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
• Baked Pork Tenderloin

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📋 Recipe