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A rich and creamy side dish made from stone-ground cornmeal, simmered to perfection with savory Parmesan cheese and butter. This comforting Italian-American classic is wonderfully versatile, naturally gluten-free, and ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Heat the Liquid
Whisk in the Polenta
Cook the Polenta
A rich and creamy side dish made from stone-ground cornmeal, simmered to perfection with savory Parmesan cheese and butter. This comforting Italian-American classic is wonderfully versatile, naturally gluten-free, and ready in under 30 minutes.
This italian_american recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 320.23 calories per serving with 8.64g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for side or lunch or dinner.
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Finish with Butter and Cheese
Serve Immediately
Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage along with the Parmesan cheese for an aromatic twist.
For a more decadent polenta, replace half of the milk with heavy cream.
Use only vegetable broth (4 cups total), substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter or olive oil, and use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative or 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
Swap out the Parmesan for other flavorful, hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a soft cheese like mascarpone or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
Made from corn, polenta is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent carbohydrate choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
As a complex carbohydrate, polenta is digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full longer.
Yellow cornmeal contains carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants known to support eye health and protect against cellular damage.
Polenta offers small amounts of essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc, which play vital roles in oxygen transport, nerve function, and immune support.
One serving of this Parmesan Polenta (approximately 1 cup) contains around 320-360 calories, depending on the specific ingredients like the fat content of the milk and broth used.
Parmesan Polenta can be part of a healthy diet. It's a good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and is naturally gluten-free. However, it contains significant amounts of fat and sodium from the butter and cheese, so it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal.
Polenta is technically a dish from Northern Italy, not an ingredient. However, in the US, the term 'polenta' is often used for medium or coarse-ground yellow cornmeal, which is the type used to make the dish. Regular cornmeal can be finer and may result in a different texture.
Yes, you can use instant or quick-cooking polenta, but the cooking time will be much shorter (usually 3-5 minutes). Follow the package instructions. While convenient, traditional polenta generally has a deeper flavor and more robust texture.
Store leftover polenta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It will solidify. To reheat as a creamy porridge, add it to a saucepan with a splash of milk or broth and whisk over low heat until smooth and warm. Alternatively, slice the cold polenta and pan-fry or grill it.
Polenta is incredibly versatile. It's a wonderful base for rich, saucy dishes like beef ragu, mushroom stew, or braised short ribs. It also pairs well with grilled sausages, roasted vegetables, or a simple shrimp scampi.
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