Indulge in the creamy, cheesy delight of polenta, an Italian dish that has conquered hearts worldwide. This versatile dish, crafted from cornmeal, transforms into a smooth, velvety masterpiece with the addition of milk, cheese, and a touch of butter. Served warm, polenta can be enjoyed as a comforting main course, a delectable side dish, or even a sweet treat when infused with flavors like honey or jam.
Our culinary journey begins with a classic Creamy Cheesy Polenta recipe that showcases the harmonious blend of milk, cheese, and polenta. For those seeking a vegan alternative, we present a delectable Vegan Polenta recipe that swaps out dairy for plant-based milk and cheese, delivering a creamy, flavorful experience without compromising on taste.
If you're craving a taste of Italy, our Polenta with Mushrooms and Sausage recipe is a hearty and satisfying choice. Sautéed mushrooms, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce create a symphony of flavors that pair perfectly with the creamy polenta.
For a lighter and healthier option, the Polenta with Roasted Vegetables recipe combines the goodness of roasted vegetables with the creamy texture of polenta. Vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli add a pop of color and nutrients to this wholesome dish.
Last but not least, our Sweet Polenta with Honey and Berries recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional polenta. With the addition of honey and a medley of berries, this sweet polenta transforms into a delectable dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
So, embark on this culinary adventure and discover the versatility of polenta, a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds with its creamy texture and endless flavor possibilities.
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
CHEESY POLENTA
This versatile side dish would work great along with pork, chicken, beef or fish. The trick is to slowly add the cornmeal and whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
Provided by dadrules
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Polenta Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring milk, water, and salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook 20 minutes, until creamy, lifting the lid and stirring every 3 or 4 minutes to prevent sticking. Remove pot from stove, stir in pepper and butter. Gradually stir in cheese. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 231.6 calories, Carbohydrate 18.4 g, Cholesterol 37.9 mg, Fat 14.1 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 8.2 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 658.4 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
CHEESY POLENTA
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Time 22m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring the water to a boil in a large, heavy pot. Add the salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cheese, milk, butter, and parsley. Stir until the butter and cheese have melted. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the polenta to a bowl and serve.
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
EASY MICROWAVE POLENTA
My mom used to make this for us kids when we were little. We ate it with fried eggs instead of toast or bread. Sometimes we had it with syrup on it like pancakes. I still make and love this. I had this with eggs this morning. Really brings back childhood memories for me. May keep in refrigerator several days. Use an old metal ice cube tray (minus divider) or pan equal to that size, or use a couple of canned vegetable cans, emptied and washed and sprayed with butter spray.
Provided by Darlene Summers
Categories Breads
Time 17m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Combine water, cornmeal and salt in a LARGE glass bowl, stirring with a wire whip till well blended.
- Put in microwave and cover with a sheet of wax paper.
- Microwave on High for 6 minutes.
- Stir well again. (Mixture will be starting to thicken). Microwave on High for another 5 minutes.
- Mixture should be very thick now.
- Stir and put into sprayed container you have chosen.
- Refrigerate till cold.
- Remove from container, slice about 1/4 inch thick, and fry in butter flavored cooking spray till lightly browned. Turn and brown on other side.
- Eat with fried eggs, with syrup on it like pancakes, or Italian style.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 36.8, Fat 0.4, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 198.7, Carbohydrate 7.8, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 0.1, Protein 0.8
MICROWAVE POLENTA
This is an easier way to make Polenta Microwave Polenta Use microwave.With 700 or more power. microwave safe container, (round is better) Ratio.
Provided by Sergio Dorothy G P
Categories Low Protein
Time 30m
Yield 2-3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- You may have to adjust ratio, depending on altitude and or type of flour.
- I use a Pyrex round unit with lid, large enough to hold (7) seven cups water and (2) two cups cornmeal flour, Mix flour with water and salt , and microwave at f ull power for 22 to 26 minutes, (depending on power and quantity) stopping to stir every five to six minutes.
- Suggestions.
- You can substitute some broth or milk, not too much milk or it may boil over.
- Makes 2-3 servings (2 with some leftovers).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 220.8, Fat 2.2, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 615.2, Carbohydrate 46.9, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 0.4, Protein 5
Tips:
- Use good quality ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and whole milk will make a big difference.
- Be sure to cook the polenta according to the package directions. This will ensure that it is cooked through and has the right consistency.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Try adding herbs, spices, or vegetables to the polenta.
- Polenta can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is also a great ingredient to use in other dishes, such as casseroles and soups.
- Leftover polenta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Conclusion:
This Microwave Creamy Cheesy Polenta recipe is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and satisfying meal. It is perfect for busy weeknights or when you are short on time. The polenta is creamy and cheesy, and the addition of mushrooms and spinach makes it even more flavorful. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or salad for a complete meal.
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