Polenta Taragna Recipe
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 6
Polenta Taragna is a rich, comforting dish from the northern regions of Italy, typically made with a blend of cornmeal and buckwheat flour. It’s known for its creamy texture and bold flavor, thanks to the addition of butter and the iconic Fontina cheese. This recipe offers a simple yet delicious way to prepare this traditional dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Instant polenta taragna flour | 500g |
| Water | 2 liters |
| Salt | to taste |
| Butter | 60g |
| Fontina cheese (or Casera or Branzi) | 200g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 5g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting off the rind from the Fontina cheese (you can also use Casera or Branzi cheese). Set the cheese aside, ready to be melted into the polenta.
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Boil the Water: Take a large, high-sided pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to it.
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Add the Polenta: With the water at a rolling boil, slowly pour the instant polenta taragna flour into the water, stirring continuously with a whisk to avoid any lumps. It’s crucial to keep stirring, as this ensures a smooth consistency and prevents the polenta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
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Cook the Polenta: Continue to stir energetically with the whisk for about 5 minutes, or until the polenta has thickened. The cooking time can vary depending on the type of polenta flour used, so be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the packaging for the best results. The polenta should have a dense, creamy consistency.
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Stir in Butter and Cheese: Once the polenta has reached the desired thickness, lower the heat to the minimum. Add the butter and stir it in until fully melted. Then, add the Fontina cheese (or your preferred cheese) and continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted into the polenta, creating a rich and creamy texture.
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Finishing Touches: Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the polenta and give it one final stir before serving. This adds a subtle layer of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
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Serve: Serve your Polenta Taragna hot, as a hearty and satisfying main dish. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Value per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Calcium | 200mg |
Note: The nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredient brands used.
