Best 5 Sweet Or Savory Polenta Cake Recipes

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Polenta, a versatile cornmeal dish, is a culinary canvas that can be transformed into a variety of delectable creations. Embark on a culinary journey with us as we present two distinct recipes featuring polenta as the star ingredient: a Sweet Polenta Cake and a savory Polenta Pizza.

The Sweet Polenta Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rustic charm of polenta with the sweetness of roasted peaches and the nutty flavor of almonds. This gluten-free cake is moist and tender, with a delightful crumb that will tantalize your taste buds.

In contrast, the Savory Polenta Pizza is a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases polenta's savory side. Topped with a rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings, this polenta pizza is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish.

Both recipes are easy to follow and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. So, gather your ingredients and let's embark on this culinary adventure together.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

SAVORY POLENTA CAKE WITH MUSHROOMS



Savory Polenta Cake with Mushrooms image

Savory Polenta Cake is a brilliant side dish to go alongside meats, poultry or salads. Vegetarian, with a gluten-free option, this recipe is full of delicious, fresh herbs and and earthy, caramelized mushrooms.

Provided by Valentina K. Wein

Categories     Main Course     Side Dish

Time 2h10m

Number Of Ingredients 16

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, (melted, divided)
½ cup water
¼ cup dry sherry
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, (washed and dried, finely chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh sage, (washed and dried, finely chopped)
1½ teaspoons salt, (divided )
½ ounce dried porcini mushrooms, (broken into small pieces)
1¾ cup fine cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour ((for gluten-free use the same measurement of Cup 4 Cup Gluten Free Flour))
1 cup Parmesan cheese, (finely grated)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1½ cups Sherry Mushrooms (click here for recipe)
1½ cups buttermilk
3 large eggs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F and use about 1 tablespoon of the melted butter to grease a 9 x 3-inch round cake pan. Then line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Add the water, sherry, thyme, sage, 1¼ teaspoon of the salt, and dried mushrooms to a small pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Once it's boiling, turn the heat off, keep the pot covered, and let the mushrooms hydrate to become soft, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl combine the cornmeal, flour, Parmesan, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt.
  • Once the porcini mushrooms are soft, remove the lid and add the Sherry Mushrooms to them. Set aside.
  • In another mixing bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the eggs and remaining 5 tablespoons of melted butter. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in this wet mixture and mushrooms. Mix everything together.
  • Pour the mixture into the cake pan, and use a flat-bottomed spreader to smooth the top.
  • Bake in the preheated 400°F oven until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Lightly cover with foil and bake for another 10 minutes. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then let cool for another 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332 kcal, ServingSize 1 serving

SAVORY POLENTA



Savory Polenta image

For a simple side dish, try Alton Brown's Savory Polenta recipe from Good Eats on Food Network; minced garlic and grated Parmesan add real savory depth.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for grilling or sauteing if desired
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 quart chicken stock or broth
1 cup coarse ground cornmeal
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces Parmesan, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large, oven-safe saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion and salt and sweat until the onions begin to turn translucent, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the garlic, and saute for 1 to 2 minutes, making sure the garlic does not burn.
  • Turn the heat up to high, add the chicken stock, bring to a boil. Gradually add the cornmeal while continually whisking. Once you have added all of the cornmeal, cover the pot and place it in the oven. Cook for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every
  • 10 minutes to prevent lumps. Once the mixture is creamy, remove from the oven and add the butter, salt, and pepper. Once they are incorporated, gradually add the Parmesan.
  • Serve as is, or pour the polenta into 9 by 13-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator to cool completely.
  • Once set, turn the polenta out onto a cutting board and cut into squares, rounds, or triangles. Brush each side with olive oil and saute in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, or grill.

SPICY POLENTA CAKES



Spicy Polenta Cakes image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h50m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup milk
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking polenta, medium- or coarse-grain
1 cup crumbled queso blanco cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey, for serving
1 lime, halved

Steps:

  • Combine the milk, salt and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and slowly whisk in the polenta. Cook, whisking constantly, until the polenta tightens and there are no lumps, about 4 minutes. Stir in the queso blanco, butter, cilantro, pepper and jalapeno. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Generously butter a 9-by-9-inch baking pan. Pour the polenta into the pan and set aside to cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, until firm.
  • Preheat a griddle pan over medium heat. Invert the polenta onto a clean cutting board and slice it into nine 3-inch squares. Brush the squares on both sides with the olive oil, then griddle them until golden brown and warmed through, about 3 minutes per side. While warm, drizzle the polenta cakes with the honey and squeeze lime juice over the top. Serve.

PLUM AND POLENTA CAKE



Plum and Polenta Cake image

Provided by Stanley Tucci

Categories     Cake     Dessert     Bake     Plum     Hominy/Cornmeal/Masa     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely ground cornmeal or semolina flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of kosher salt
13 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 plums, cut in half and pitted
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Grease and lightly flour an 8 x 2-inch round cake pan or an 8-inch springform pan, tapping out any excess flour. Set aside.
  • 2. In a small bowl, toss the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • 3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer, until pale yellow and creamy, about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the whole eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and blend until just combined.
  • 4. Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Place the plum halves, skin side down, at even intervals on top of the batter. Sprinkle the brown sugar on top of the fruit and batter. Bake until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

ORANGE POLENTA CAKE WITH VANILLA-SCENTED PLUMS AND BLACKBERRIES AND BUTTERMILK ICE CREAM



Orange Polenta Cake with Vanilla-Scented Plums and Blackberries and Buttermilk Ice Cream image

This simple cake can be sliced and served or toasted before serving. For the best texture, use a medium-fine polenta.

Provided by Romney Steele

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup medium-fine polenta or organic cornmeal (such as Bob's Red Mill)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons (packed) finely grated orange peel
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole-milk plain yogurt
Vanilla-Scented Plums and Blackberries
Buttermilk Ice Cream

Steps:

  • Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter 9 x 5 x 3-inch metal loaf pan. Dust pan with flour; tap out excess. Whisk 1 1/4 cups flour, polenta, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat sugar, butter, and orange peel in large bowl until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Add flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with yogurt in 2 additions, beating just until blended after each addition. Spread batter evenly in pan.
  • Bake cake until golden and tester inserted into center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool in pan 5 minutes. Run knife around cake edges to loosen. Invert cake onto rack, then invert again on rack (top side up). Cool completely. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap in plastic and store at room temperature.
  • Cut cake crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices; serve with Vanilla-Scented Plums and Blackberries and Buttermilk Ice Cream .

Tips:

  • For a creamy polenta cake, use milk or cream instead of water.
  • Adding a little butter or oil to the polenta will help to keep it moist.
  • Be sure to cook the polenta until it is thick and creamy before adding it to the cake batter.
  • For a sweeter cake, add some sugar or honey to the polenta batter.
  • For a savory cake, add some herbs, cheese, or vegetables to the polenta batter.
  • Polenta cake can be baked in a cake pan, a loaf pan, or even a muffin tin.
  • Polenta cake is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Conclusion:

Polenta cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory cake, there is a polenta cake recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give polenta cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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