Description
Savor the simplicity and comfort of homemade polenta, a staple of Italian cuisine with a creamy texture and rich corn flavor. This polenta recipe is a delightful base for a variety of toppings, from savory cheeses to hearty stews, and can be enjoyed as a cozy side dish or a main attraction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup coarse-ground cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add salt.
- Gradually whisk in the cornmeal to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from heat and optionally stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Serve warm as a creamy base for your favorite dishes, or spread onto a flat surface to cool and solidify for grilling or frying.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can replace half of the water with milk or add herbs and spices.
Leftover polenta can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, or sliced and grilled for a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 150 (without butter or cheese)
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 1.5g (without additional butter or cheese)
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g (without additional butter or cheese)
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g (without additional butter or cheese)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Protein: 3.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg (without additional butter or cheese)