Creamy, cozy and comforting polenta is a great side dish and quite easy to make. Perfect for both rustic homey dishes and elegant special occasion dinners polenta is highly versatile. Learn how to make Simple Italian Polenta at home.
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What is Polenta?
Polenta is a Northern Italian dish made from coarsely ground yellow corn. A simple dish prepared with milk (or water or stock per preference) butter, salt pepper and a good dose of Parmesan cheese. Typically served as a creamy side dish with a texture similar to mashed potatoes, polenta can also be made into a firmer texture that can be sliced, fried or grilled.
This recipe calls for coarse stone ground polenta, though you can also find finely ground polenta, instant polenta and precooked polenta (typically found in a tube).
How to Serve Polenta
Polenta is highly versatile and makes a great side or base for many dishes. Serve along side a hearty roast chicken, pork or steak. Polenta is also a great base for marinara, meatballs, sausage or braised short rib or brisket.
Ingredients for Italian Polenta
- Coarse stone ground polenta
- Milk (or you can use water or stock)
- Parmesan Cheese
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Italian Polenta
To start making polenta add your choice of milk, water or chicken stock( I prefer using milk, or a combination of milk and water depending on how rich I’d like my polenta to be) to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Whisk in the polenta, stirring to ensure it’s fully combined. Reduce to heat to low, cook for 30 minutes or until the polenta has thickened. Stir occasionally while cooking to ensure the polenta doesn’t burn. Once the polenta has reached your desired consistency stir in parmesan, butter, salt and pepper. Serve as desired.
If you like this Simple Italian Polenta Recipe be sure to take a look at some of my other posts!
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Butternut Squash and Mushroom Risotto
If you make this Simple Italian Polenta please leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Simple Italian Polenta
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone ground polenta
- 4 cups milk or water or stock
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese plus more for topping
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Add milk ( or water) to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Whisk in the polenta, stirring to ensure it's fully combined. Reduce to heat to low, cook for 30 minutes or until the polenta has thickened. Stir occasionally while cooking to ensure the polenta doesn't burn.
- Once the polenta has reached your desired consistency stir in parmesan, butter, salt and pepper. Serve as desired.
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