HOW TO MAKE PERFECT POLENTA

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



How to Make Perfect Polenta image

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

4 cups water
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 cup polenta
3 tablespoons butter, divided
½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for garnish

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

Classic Da kid
[email protected]

This polenta is the perfect side dish for any Italian meal.


Tyrik Smith
[email protected]

I'm so glad I found this recipe. It's a new family favorite!


Ola Jumoke
[email protected]

This polenta is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.


Cassen Abuubakar
[email protected]

I love that this recipe is so simple. It's perfect for a busy weeknight meal.


Mark Wahl
[email protected]

This polenta is a great way to use up leftover cornmeal.


The Gamer Pros
[email protected]

I'm not a big fan of polenta, but this recipe changed my mind. It's so creamy and flavorful, I could eat it every day.


Ricks Sohan
[email protected]

This is the best polenta recipe I've ever tried. It's so easy to make and it always turns out perfectly.


Rich Savage
[email protected]

I love the versatility of polenta. It can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even a dessert.


Kuria Wangari
[email protected]

This polenta is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day.


Kr Kiran
[email protected]

I made this polenta for a potluck and it was a big hit. Everyone loved the creamy texture and the cheesy flavor.


Ghulshan Firdoos
[email protected]

This recipe is a great starting point for making polenta. Once you've mastered the basics, you can experiment with different flavors and toppings.


Taslim Akter
[email protected]

I'm a huge fan of polenta, and this recipe is one of the best I've tried.


Andrej Lacko
[email protected]

This polenta is so creamy and flavorful. I could eat it every day!


Abbos Jurayev
[email protected]

I love that this recipe can be made with basic ingredients that I already have on hand.


Tehmeena Tehmeena
[email protected]

I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this recipe was to make. I'm not a very experienced cook, but I was able to follow the instructions and make a delicious polenta dish.


Yousha Telecom
[email protected]

This recipe is a keeper! I've made it several times now and it always turns out perfectly.


The Aliraza
[email protected]

I made this polenta for a dinner party last night and it was a hit! Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe.


GamerSonny 09
[email protected]

Polenta is one of my favorite comfort foods, and this recipe is the best I've tried. It's creamy and flavorful, and the instructions were easy to follow.