Creamy Polenta Recipe – Savory Cornmeal Porridge
Polenta, a classic Italian side dish, brings a comforting and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes. This savory cornmeal porridge is both versatile and satisfying, often served alongside rich, flavorful sauces, roasted meats, or as a base for vegetables. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or alongside a hearty meal, this creamy polenta recipe is simple to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Polenta | 1 cup |
| Water | 4 cups |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Black Pepper Powder (freshly ground) | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Cooking Liquid: Begin by heating a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil and butter to the pan, allowing them to melt together. Once melted, pour in the milk and water mixture, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a brisk boil, allowing the milk to heat through and the water to begin bubbling.
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Add Polenta: Once the milk-water mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Slowly add the polenta in a steady stream, stirring continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon. It’s essential to stir constantly to avoid the formation of any lumps. Keep stirring the polenta until it begins to thicken.
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Simmer and Cook: As the polenta thickens, cover the saucepan with a lid. Allow it to simmer on low heat for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the polenta will fully swell up and soften, absorbing the liquid. The consistency should become creamy, but still a bit loose. This allows the polenta to be easier to serve and enjoy.
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Adjust Seasoning: Once the polenta has reached the desired creamy consistency, season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine the seasoning evenly into the polenta.
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Serve: Transfer the creamy polenta to serving plates while it’s hot. This dish is perfect when paired with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside dishes like Walnut Mushroom Veg Bolognese for a vegetarian option or Roasted Chicken Curry in Spinach Parmesan Sauce for something more hearty. You can also serve it with Steamed Vegetables with Chilli Lime Butter to add extra flavor and texture.
For an ideal meal experience, finish with a refreshing beverage like Cinnamon Spiced Orange Iced Tea and enjoy a delightful dessert, such as Strawberry Coconut Trifle Pudding.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Course | Side Dish |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 kcal |
| Protein | ~4 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~28 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sugars | ~4 g |
| Fat | ~9 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~230 mg |
Creamy polenta is a timeless Italian side dish that embodies simplicity and comfort. Its rich, velvety texture and neutral flavor make it a perfect accompaniment to bold or savory main courses. With just a few basic ingredients, you can easily create a dish thatโs as satisfying as it is delicious, bringing a touch of Italy to your table.
