**Polenta: A Creamy Delight with Minimal Effort**
Polenta, a culinary delight with origins in Northern Italy, has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Made from coarsely ground cornmeal, polenta's versatility shines through its ability to transform into a creamy porridge, a firm side dish, or even crispy fried cakes. This versatile dish holds a special place in Italian cuisine, often served as a comforting meal or as a base for hearty stews and flavorful sauces. In this article, we present a collection of polenta recipes that showcase its diverse culinary applications. From the classic Creamy Polenta to the innovative Polenta Fries, these recipes offer a range of options to suit every palate and occasion. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey where creamy textures, bold flavors, and minimal stirring come together to create dishes that will leave you craving for more.
POLENTA CREAMY GOOD AND ALMOST NO STIR
I was one of few that tested this for Cook's Illustrated. I was very impressed with this method which uses a secret ingredient of baking soda. Baking soda added to the cooking liquid can reduce the time it takes for the gelatinization to occur which in turn shortens the cooking time. You can use vegetable stock or chicken broth in place of the water. I tasted and it was good but wanted to kick it up and added chopped scallions and chopped chipotles for a kick. Just remember to simmer over very low heat so low you don't think it is cooking.
Provided by Rita1652
Categories < 60 Mins
Time 45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring water to boil in a heavy bottom 4 quart pan over medium high heat.
- Stir in salt, and baking soda. Slowly pour cornmeal into the water in a steady stream stirring with a wooden spoon.
- Bring to a boil stirring consistently for 1 minute.
- Reduce to the very lowest heat possible and cover.
- After 5 minutes whisk polenta to smooth out any lumps for 15 seconds,scraping down sides and bottom of pan. Cover and continue to cook without stirring until grains are tender but slightly al dente. About 25 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and cheese.
- Stir in scallions and chipotle if using.
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
NO-STIR POLENTA
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories weekday, side dish
Time 1h
Yield about 4 cups (about 6 servings)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Bring the water to a boil in a large, heavy pot.
- Add the salt; then add the cornmeal in a very thin stream, letting it run through a closed fist. Stir constantly with a whisk while adding.
- When all the cornmeal has been added, stir with a wooden spoon 2 minutes, and then cover pot. Adjust heat so the water is at a lively simmer. After 10 minutes, stir 1 minute; then cover pot again. Repeat three more times. Let polenta cook 5 minutes longer, for a total of 45 minutes.
- Stir vigorously for another minute. Transfer to a moistened bowl (rinsed but not dried), and let polenta rest 10 to 15 minutes. Unmold onto a platter and serve at once, or let it cool to use in other recipes.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 161, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 402 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram
"NO-STIR" POLENTA
Categories Side Fall Gourmet Sugar Conscious Vegan Vegetarian Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes about 3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- In a heavy saucepan bring water and salt to a boil and gradually whisk in cornmeal in a thin stream. Cook polenta over moderately low heat, stirring, 2 minutes and cover pan. Cook polenta, covered, stirring for 1 minute after every 10 minutes of cooking, 45 minutes. Remove pan from heat and cover to keep warm. Stir polenta just before using. Polenta will keep warm, covered, about 20 minutes.
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.
Tips:
- Use a large pot: Polenta can foam up as it cooks, so it's important to use a pot that's large enough to accommodate the foaming and prevent it from boiling over.
- Bring the liquid to a boil before adding the polenta: This will help to prevent the polenta from clumping.
- Add the polenta in a slow, steady stream: This will help to prevent the polenta from clumping and ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Stir the polenta constantly for the first few minutes of cooking: This will help to prevent the polenta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
- Reduce the heat to low once the polenta has started to thicken: This will help to prevent the polenta from burning.
- Cook the polenta for the amount of time specified in the recipe: The cooking time will vary depending on the type of polenta you are using.
- Season the polenta to taste: You can add salt, pepper, herbs, or cheese to taste.
- Serve the polenta hot: Polenta is best served hot, but it can also be chilled and served cold.
Conclusion:
Polenta is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even a dessert. With its creamy texture and mild flavor, polenta is a great way to add variety to your meals. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give polenta a try!
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