**Creamy Polenta: A Culinary Symphony of Simplicity and Delight**
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Italy with our creamy polenta recipe, a cornerstone of Northern Italian cuisine. This delectable dish, crafted with simple ingredients like cornmeal, milk, and butter, offers a symphony of flavors and textures. Its creamy, luscious consistency envelops the palate, while its subtle corn flavor shines through, complemented by a hint of saltiness and a touch of sweetness. Whether served as a comforting main course or as a versatile side dish, creamy polenta is a culinary canvas waiting to be explored. Join us as we guide you through a step-by-step process to create this classic dish, along with variations and serving suggestions that will elevate your culinary repertoire.
HOW TO MAKE PERFECT POLENTA
Polenta is nothing more than coarsely ground cornmeal. The classic ratio is 1 part polenta to 4 parts water, but I like to measure the polenta just a little scant of a full cup. I often use chicken broth instead of water. It's a perfect base for any kind of saucy meat or mushroom ragout.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Polenta Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; pour polenta slowly into boiling water, whisking constantly until all polenta is stirred in and there are no lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking often, until polenta starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Polenta mixture should still be slightly loose. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, whisking every 5 to 6 minutes. When polenta is too thick to whisk, stir with a wooden spoon. Polenta is done when texture is creamy and the individual grains are tender.
- Turn off heat and gently stir 2 tablespoons butter into polenta until butter partially melts; mix 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into polenta until cheese has melted. Cover and let stand 5 minutes to thicken; stir and taste for salt before transferring to a serving bowl. Top polenta with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 291.2 calories, Carbohydrate 31 g, Cholesterol 33.4 mg, Fat 14.7 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 9.2 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 1186.1 mg, Sugar 2 g
CREAMY POLENTA
Creamy polenta! This light and fluffy polenta is perfect for serving with ribs, chicken, pork, lamb, or veal, and is also great with roasted veggies.
Provided by Elise Bauer
Categories Side Dish How To Make-ahead Quick and Easy Polenta
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Whisk polenta into boiling salted water: Heat salted water (1 1/2 teaspoons of salt for 1 quart of water) to a boil over high heat in a thick-bottomed 2 or 3 quart pan. Slowly add the polenta into the boiling water, whisking while you add it to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Simmer and cook: Lower the heat to a very low simmer and add the butter. Continue to whisk the polenta until it starts to thicken. Then cover the pan and let the polenta cook for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon so that the polenta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. The polenta should be soft and tender when done. If not, let it cook a little longer.
- Add the cream cheese: Add the cream cheese and stir it into the polenta. Taste and add more salt if necessary. (You can also add more cream cheese if you want it to be even creamier.)
Nutrition Facts : Calories 106 kcal, Carbohydrate 12 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 469 mg, Sugar 0 g, Fat 6 g, ServingSize Serves 8, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
EASY CREAMY POLENTA
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dinner Recipes Dinner Side Dishes
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large, deep saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. While whisking constantly, add polenta in a slow, steady stream. Reduce heat to medium, cook until thickened, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, about 15 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in cheese, heavy cream, and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
CREAMY CORN POLENTA
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 35m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Bring the broth, 2 1/2 cups water, butter and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a heavy, large saucepan over high heat. Gradually whisk in the polenta. Continue to whisk until the polenta begins to thicken, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook until the polenta is very thick and tender, stirring often with a flat-bottom spoon or heatproof rubber spatula to prevent sticking or burning, about 20 minutes. Blend the corn in a mini processor until a coarse puree forms. Stir the corn puree into the polenta. Season with more salt if desired.
CREAMY POLENTA
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, bring the water, milk and butter to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the water and whisk in the polenta. Whisk constantly for 3 to 4 minutes to prevent lumps. Simmer for 45 minutes, partially covered and stirring every 10 minutes, until the polenta is thick, smooth, and creamy. Add the creme fraiche and Parmesan. Check for seasoning and adjust consistency by adding milk or water to the polenta. Polenta may be made up to 20 minutes ahead of time and kept covered until ready to serve.
SIMPLE CREAMY POLENTA
You can top off this polenta with some roasted vegetables. Together they're the perfect comfort food.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Cuisine-Inspired Recipes Italian Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to medium and add the polenta slowly, whisking each addition very briskly. If the polenta is added too quickly, lumps will form.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until the polenta is thick and creamy. Add the milk and stir to thoroughly incorporate. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Tips:
- For a creamier polenta, use half milk and half water. - If you like it cheesy, add some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the polenta before serving. - For a more flavorful polenta, use vegetable broth instead of water. - To make it a complete meal, add some cooked vegetables, protein, or a fried egg on top of the polenta. - For a sweet twist, add some honey, fruit, or nuts to the polenta.Conclusion:
Polenta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give polenta a try. You won't be disappointed!
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