This polenta recipe is so versatile, that you can use it as a side dish or load it with tasty toppings and serve it as the main course! It is wonderfully creamy and a great alternative side dish for rice or pasta. Perfect for serving with lamb, pork, chicken, veal, or veggies, this basic polenta with Parmesan is an easy recipe to add to your weekly rotation!
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Instructions
Pour the 3 cups of water into your saucepan and bring to a low boil.
In a small bowl combine the 1 cup of water with 1 cup of cornmeal. Whisk together well, then add to the boiling water. Whisk until there are no lumps.
Reduce heat and simmer while whisking for a few minutes or just until the polenta begins to thicken.
Cover and allow to simmer for up to 30 minutes, whisking/stirring every 5 minutes. When thickened too much switch from a whisk to a spatula to stir.
When the polenta is thick and the grains are tender, remove from heat, and add in the butter, Parmesan, and salt. Mix in until melted and blended. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Your cooking time may vary based on the grind and type of cornmeal.
Polenta leftovers can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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 over low heat and follow the same directions.