How to Make How to Make Perfect Polenta - A Step-by-Step Guide

Polenta is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made from coarse cornmeal, this versatile dish can be enjoyed as a creamy side, shaped into cakes, or even fried to create a crunchy snack. While polenta may seem intimidating to make at first, with the right technique and a little patience, you can create the perfect polenta every time.

Whether you're looking to serve a comforting side dish for a family dinner or impress your guests with an elegant plate of cr...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 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

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Additional Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; pour polenta slowly into boiling water, whisking constantly until 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 for 5 minutes to thicken.
  • Stir polenta and transfer to a serving bowl. Top polenta with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish.
  • Nutrition

    291 cal.

    • Total Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Cholesterol: 33mg
    • Sodium: 1186mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 31g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 9g
    • Vitamin C: 12mg
    • Calcium: 202mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 15mg